Anna: March 2009 Archives

Following on from my last blog, after two hours of interviewing in North Bongoma, we had our five franchisees.

Gavin thanked all the candidates for showing such enthusiasm. He explained that the seven people who would not be selected would still be winners and would receive a certificate from SolarAid. They would also have the opportunity to buy Sunnymoney solar products at a reduced price of 500 Kenyan shillings instead of 1200. At hearing this, everyone clapped and cheered!

Gavin then read out the names of the successful candidates. The smiles on these people's faces were so huge. They were elated to have been selected.

I couldn't help but feel great sadness for the people who didn't make it, after all the effort they had made in travelling round the towns gathering votes. If only we could pick all of them and give them all this chance. One unlucky candidate, a girl called Amelia, had tears in her eyes. Maybe her time will come in the future.

Gavin and I with the successful candidates, from left to right: Benson, Moses, Cris, Maximillar and Romonah

Gavin then exchanged telephone numbers with the franchisees. He told them that we looked forward to seeing them in Nakuru to start their training at the end of the month. Everyone thanked us graciously and cheered us on our way.

This is clearly the start of something very exciting for the entrepreneurs, and for SolarAid.

More from me again soon,
Jenny
SolarAid volunteer