Project 40: Solar Mamas - Guatemala

We are partnering with Barefoot College International to support the training of 10 rural indigenous Guatemalan women to become solar engineers and their participation in their Enriche curriculum aimed at nurturing their self-esteem and entrepreneurialism.

Barefoot College International's mission is focused on increasing the economic mobility of women and girls in marginalized communities around the world by making vocational and educational opportunities accessible to them. This aims to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to be a catalyst for change to benefit herself, her family, and her wider community.

The "Solar Mama" initiative demystifies technology and trains women and girls from marginalized rural areas to become solar engineers. No education or illiteracy is no barrier as the training program uses alternative communication skills such as sign language to transfer knowledge. Upon completing the program, the trainees will be able to assemble and install solar home lighting systems in their villages and maintain them.

We think this is a brilliant initiative. We are raising funds to support the training of 10 indigenous Guatemalan women from poor rural villages, including paying for their training materials, resources, accommodation, and their trainer's fees. Beyond the solar engineer training, the women will also participate in the college's Enriche program, which aims to improve their self-esteem, financial literacy, and micro-entrepreneurial skills, so they will go forth and prosper.

Let's light up these women's minds and light up communities. Please help these women prosper by becoming agents of change and supporting Solar Mamas today!