This summer Solar Hope, the non profit organization associated with my school, is putting together a trip to Tanzania to install solar panels on a number of rural schools and clinics that do not have access to electricity. I have been mulling over and waffling back and forth if I should try to participate in this trip. There are basically three things that the project needs: Time/effort, knowledge and money. The first two I possess to a limited extent. The third...not so much. I believe that this project is a very good cause and worthy of my time and effort. The difference between having no electricity and having a little is difficult to overstate, especially in the context of schools and clinics, and Solar Hope gives the opportunity for those who would otherwise have no way whatsoever of having a little bit. And since it is solar, there are no continuing costs, and no ecological damage associated with the progress. But there is absolutely no way I can be a part of this without partners. Not everyone has the opportunity to actually go to Africa and do a solar installation, but perhaps some would like to be involved with such a thing regardless. If there are some who are not as impoverished as I am who would like to help, I would enthusiastically work very hard to get the highest possible output for that money.
So here is where things stand: It would cost about $5,000 for me to participate in this trip. This would include transportation for me, costs and transportation costs for the equipment I would be installing, and lodging costs for the month I would be there. Basically what I am trying to figure out is if there is any interest out there for financial support. While I don't have to raise the money immediately, I do have to make a commitment by the end of the month. And if I commit, the organization will begin taking the preliminary steps for the project on the assumption that there will be some funds behind my commitment. So basically I am just trying to feel the waters and see if this is feasible at all (if I commit and can not raise any funds, I'm in Big Trouble, as they say). So if any of you would be interested in helping with what I believe is a very worthy cause, or know someone else who might be, please let me know so that I can plan my next steps. Thanks!
By the way: To learn more about Solar Hope, visit the following website:
No comments:
Post a Comment