A growing project

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