From dark to autonomy: Moms that revolutionize energy access in rural Africa

Em Rural communities from AfricaElectricity still led a group of women where there is a right to a few Social transformation And unprecedented economic.

Called “Solar Mamas”These solar engineers are shining villages and villages without official education Cultural obstacles They were deeply rooted in their societies.

Dianes Day, no Malavi

Lunches42 years old, Malavi is a lone mother86% of the population here Access to electricityOne of the examples of possible transition through the program.

She was left by her husband when her last baby was a baby, and she saw her monthly income as a solar breast.

In a testimonial on the program’s website, as a child, he dreamed of becoming a doctor or accountant, but Financial limitations Prevented their official education.

“I haven’t left Malavi before. I have been about the long distance I traveled 190 km Lilongway’s, “he said about himself Trajectory After selecting.

“I am happy to take the course because I have never seen female solar engineers. And it is excited about thinking to be a female engineer like me”

The impact on your life was immediately. In addition to receiving, at that time, a Monthly salary For 10,000 quacha (approximately R $ 65) Management of solar systems It was installed in society, which could expand its business Donate preparation – Thank you for working after sunset.

New The financial situation Is permitted to pay School monthly fees Among their two elderly children, it was unpredictable before the program.

How the program works

The Solar Mama program was born in India between -1997, proposed Social activist and educator bunker roy. Since then, it has spread to 93 countries, including Malavi, KenyaWere, and,, and,, and,, and,.. Tanzania And other African countries.

The selection process is tough and usually focused on women who are excluded Educational and professional opportunities.

Candidates are usually 35 years of age or older, and assess this Natural leadership Demonstrate in their societies and strong commitment Local developmentAlthough they have a lower level Official education.

Since then, they will receive Training It ranges from three to six months depending on the area.

Em ZanzibarFor example, participants go through three months of intensive training in the unit A college without sandals In Kinasini, there is hosting. In the case of lunches and other Malavi women, trained IndiaThat means there is but Afles.

During the course, the Women learn to build circuit signs, electrical solar lamp wiring, mobilize solar flashlights and maintain domestic solar systems.

All have been completed manually Humble communities For this they return until the end of the training.

The global influence with concrete results

After completing the program, solar boobs are received Solar kits Local governments or organizations Voluntary service foreign (VSO).

Em ZanzibarEach engineer receives 25 kits for installation in their villages, including their own houses. And then charge a monthly maintenance fee (about $ 13 in Zanzibar) for five years, thereby creating A A steady stream of income.

The results of the program reveal the most important and measurable range Social consciousness It provides to families.

In Malavi and other African countries, Solar boobs have already installed solar systems in hundreds of rural housesChanging all the powerful reality of these categories.

In ZanziBar, since 2015, a sandalwood leg college has been trained 65 Women in Solar EngineeringIt connects 1,858 houses in 29 villages ElectricityAccording to Impact Reports.

Cooperation for global connections and expansion

Through it One Cooperative performance The program extends by various African territories. In MadagascarBorn from between collaboration WWF Madagascar EO Barefoot College International.

Started in 2012, the partnership has a double objective: Face a serious crisis that gains energy in the countryWhile preserving Fragile ecosystemsEspecially in the landscape Speech in ManamboIt contains the largest intact mangries in the west of the island.

In Ambakiwao, Madagascar, four familiar four women “Solar Grandparents” – Edit, Kingline, Yoitra – Solar technology brought to a community, depending on the oil lamps similar to others, with their expensive effects on health and environment.

“We have always used oil -lamp lamps, whose smoke has caused our children to sick and contaminated the air,” Hanitra told WWF. “With this Solar technologyHumans feel better, and Nature As well as. “

In the island of Zanzibar TanzaniaThe story is repeated with its own local masculinity. Almost half of it Two million residents received electricityThe program has been trained to 65 women since 2015, which connected 1,858 houses in 29 Solar power villages.

Berfoot College Zanzibar has settled into a regional center that also trains Malavi Somalland.

Scalability and Public Policies

Of success Pilot projects Solar boobs attract government attention, increase public policies National Scale.

In Madagascar, it has attracted attention Ministry of Fuel And the portfolio responsible for the population, which started together National Program of Sandalit College. The target? Power 744 solar engineers by 2030, benefiting 630,000 houses nationwide.

Since 2019, a local sandal training center has been established in Sufazavona. And already formed More than 90 solar engineers of 29 villagesProvides access to electricity for more than 2 thousand homes.

In Madagascar, the curriculum is still extended. Beyond Solar EngineeringTraining has been added Financial inclusionWere, and,, and,, and,, and,.. Founding And life skills Enrichment Program Do a slippers -free college.

Two of the first graduates, The ease of solar mahamas eNow they act as the preachers SiafazavonaMonitoring the formation of new classes regularly.

The capacity of the capacity between the peers, where alumni become faculty, ensuring that Sustainability Program and strengthening A sense of local property Initiative.

Transitions beyond electrification

Studies conducted by researchers from University of Chambers TechnologyIn Sweden, proved that the program promotes Transitions In social regulations. As they point out in one of the analyzes:

“In societies that are only conservative, women see solar boobs as respectable professionals and a model for young generations.”

Studies describe it Women are considered “knowledge and competent people for their abilities”Breaking up stream and breaking up with social obstacles, it shows Can be experts who do not have official education.

Oh Economic impact It is also relevant in societies. In Malavi, Elinati Patison48, after sunset, can double the income as a seamstress. As the lines start the business of another local resident Cell phone charging In your home, along with the preparation of donuts before dawn.

Thanks to Solar Mama, children were able to attend Msampha school and perform duties after sunset, thanks to solar lighting. (VSO international/exposure)

In Kenya, after training, Huruma Asili Women’s Group, Cooperative of local women Recognized by programs in accordance with climate change, submitted to it Agricultural Sector Development Assistance ProgramProposal for revised solar dryer.

The equipment, which uses it Passive solar energy Creating a controlled environment that maintains ideal temperature and protection External harmful elements.

Allows this way Dehydration of fruits and vegetable Regardless of weather oscillations – it allowed the group to sell large amounts of fruits and dried vegetables Local markets.

Challenges to light the program

Despite the success, the event now faces significant challenges, especially in countries such as Malavi and Zanzibar, here 10% of the population has electrical access and the need for expansion is imperative.

The availability of solar parts, although the model is subtle, replicated and scalable, Continuous financing And guaranteed Installed systems Constant concerns are the remaining of chronic functional.

Financing is mainly provided Government donations and concessions Creates uncertainty wheels that compromise the plan Long -term. Another complex thing Dangerous infrastructure In remote areas.

A. Transport LogisticsWere, and,, and,, and,, and,.. Storage Parts and maintenance of solar equipment are severely compromised Disabled Road Networks And the lack of reliable supply chains, especially during the severe weather conditions that intensified with climate change.

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