Anna: August 2008 Archives

The SolarAid team in Zambia went on a field trip last week to Mkushi district, about 350km north-east of Lusaka.

SolarAid has partnered with HODI to undertake both micro and macrosolar projects in the region.

Here's a photo of the team:

From left to right: Janelle Tisserand (MBAs Without Borders/SolarAid Zambia), Emmanuel C Chunda (Solar Coordinator for SolarAid Zambia), Simon Nguluwe (Project Manager, Fiwila - HODI) and Abel Mbewe (Programmes Manager, SolarAid Zambia)

The organisation HODI, was set up in 1996 to provide support for community-based organisations, with the aim of encouraging self-sufficiency. It operates primarily in rural areas, in five of Zambia's regions: Southern, Central, Copperbelt, Luapala and Northern provinces.

Sharon Makoni, at the SolarAid training workshop in Zambia

This is 20 year old Sharon Makoni of Chilimboyi, Mumbwa District, in rural Zambia. Last week Sharon joined SolarAid's first Solar Training Workshop in Zambia. She learned how to construct a simple battery recharger with a small solar panel, and in the photo is seen testing this on a converted kerosene lantern.

I've recently started a six-month assignment with MBAs Without Borders in Zambia, with the challenge of helping SolarAid to find a sustainable way of getting small solar products - such as simple solar lanterns - into the hands of Zambia's rural poor.

For people like Sharon, this could mean gaining access to cheaper and healthier lighting, as well as the chance to generate income by establishing her own micro-solar business.

It's a simple yet incredible idea - and one that could have a huge impact on the lives of millions of people living in poverty. The challenge, of course, is making it happen.

Thank you,
Janelle Tisserand

SolarAid is very grateful for the work people like Janelle and her colleagues are doing in Zambia and beyond. Please help us to have an even bigger impact on the lives of millions of people in need, by donating to this project today.

Thanks from the SolarAid team.

Janelle Tisserand, Zambia

SolarAid is thrilled that Janelle Tisserand, has recently joined the Zambia team on a 6 month assignment.

Janelle is volunteering through the organisation MBAs Without Borders.
www.mbaswithoutborders.org