Solar for Cameroon

Our solar project in Cameroon needs a funding push to get enough funding to teach Circuits and Solar.

Our other similar projects show that once a class graduates they have the skills to understand, maintain and repair solar power systems.  Solar is less expensive than kerosene lamps so the people who purchase solar power save money.  We had one family tell us that they saved about 25% of their disposable income just because they chose to buy a solar light.

The solar light you see attached to this email is a very simple light that also can charge a cell phone.  It is brighter than a kerosene lamp and it does not create toxic fumes.

We are working on a website devoted to this project which I hope will take this Global Giving campaign to the next level.

Solar lighting businesses are sustainable ventures that provide jobs and create conditions that lead to better health and better education.

Thank you for your support.

Links:

• Our Website

One of the goals of The Appropriate Technology Collaborative is to set up small to medium scale businesses in less economically developed countries.  Often there are many barriers to business development.  The regulations for starting a business can be obscure even to local people with years of experience.  We have found ourselves or our partners standing in line for hours to get documents stamped only to be told that there is yet another set of stamps required before a business is legal.

Fortunately in Cameroon the government has set up a fast track for starting new social enterprises.

From the US Small Business Administration Website:

"Recently, the Cameroonian government has brought two new agencies in Cameroon to make the business environment more friendly. The first one is the creation of a one-stop shop for new companies. That means instead of needing three to six months to create your company, you can do that now in three to five days. Another agency, the investment and promotion agency that facilitates all the processes businesses have to go through when they want to do business in Cameroon. So, for example, the agreements, even the facilities like for electricity, water, they can take care of that so that the business person just cares about meeting people. So these are two agencies that have been created which improved the business climate."

With your support we can teach "Circuits and Solar", send teaching kits and solar hardware to our local team and get them started in a sustainable business.

Thank you,

John Barrie