March 2008 Archives

Watch this video about our microsolar project with Neema Crafts, our partner organisation in Tanzania that works with young people who are deaf and disabled:

John checks the quality of a microsolar panel in Tanzania. This panel was built by Tatedo, a local solar organisation in Tanzania. We visited their workshop where they build and test a number of renewable energy concepts - so not just solar photovoltaic, but also biofuel, solar pasteurisation and other ideas.

The year 2007 saw the birth of the Neema Craft Solar project from nothing and its growth into successful manufacturing business with five employees and a fledgling sales network. Several solar volunteers have contributed to the project's growth starting with John Keane and Courtney in February and March, followed by Gary Cafe mid-year, and finally by us (Chris Hartley and Annie Hostetter) from October through March. Other Neema volunteers have contributed in numerous ways.

Volunteer labour has proved invaluable in getting the project off the ground, but we hope that the Solar Manager we are hiring, with funding from SolarAid, will ensure continuity in the project without relying on non-sustainable volunteer labour.

The expected expansion of sales will provide funding for the position after outside funding expires. Technical support will continue to be provided as needed by off-site volunteers, but administration of the programme will be in the hands of the Tanzanian employees.

Annie and Chris