Ellie: January 2010 Archives

My name is Ellie Higham and along with Steven Woodward, a long-term volunteer at SolarAid Head Office, we have started as Project Coordinators in Argentina. Steve and I are already enjoying the challenge of working for SolarAid in South America.

We are taking over from Prasanna, a Solar Engineer, who has been with the project for eight months. Now pursuing new opportunities, we would like to say a massive thank you to Prasanna for all his hard work and we wish him the best of luck in the future.

Prasanna (right) with new Project Coordinator Ellie.

Steve and I have been in Argentina for two weeks now. A 20 hour bus ride took us from Buenos Aries to SolarAid's South American base in San Salvador de Jujuy. Eager to start work we met with Prasanna and our South American project implementation partners, Avina, to discuss and plan for the future. During our week together, Prasanna gave us a comprehensive introduction to working in the region and an analysis of the project's achievements to date.

Steve (left) and Ellie begin strategy planning in San Salvador de Jujuy.

There is real appetite and excitement in this region for solar energy, making it an inspiring and exciting place to operate in. In the coming months we hope to build upon the excellent work of Prasanna, Solar Enterprise Volunteer Carl and our Avina partners. We will use the knowledge gained and lessons learned to expand operations; the ultimate aim being to generate lasting solutions for energy poverty and climate change in South America.

More updates to come in my next blog...

Please support SolarAid's work in South America by making a donation.