Grandmothers learn how to install solar power in village
Who says grandmothers are too old to learn new skills? Certainly, not this group of Madagascan women.
The role of grandmothers in communities is insurmountable. They have a way of offering a unique set of skills and wisdom that not only helps overcome even the most dire circumstances, but also brings a sense of peace, hope and development.
A group of grandmothers in the small, remote village of Ambakivao in Madagascar are playing their part to redefine the narrative surrounding gender roles in communities.
Remeza, Kingeline, Yollande, and Hanitra are known locally as the 'Solar Mamas' and are using solar energy to bring light to their village.
"Like much of rural Madagascar, where less than 15% of households have access to electricity, Ambakivao has long relied on petroleum lamps to illuminate its homes after dark. These dim, smoky lamps come with a steep cost: respiratory illnesses, fire hazards, and a dependence on expensive, imported fuel. As in so many villages across the country, darkness limits opportunity," reports the WWF.
We had always used petroleum-filled lamps, producing smokes that made our children ill and polluted the air.
The partnership between WWF Madagascar and Barefoot College International aided the upliftment of this community. The Barefoot College International is a global training programme that helps empower rural women to become solar engineers.
The 'woman solar engineer' project was launched to address Madagascar's energy crisis. The lack of renewable energy sources such as solar power didn't just pose a health risk to the community and their cost of living, but also significantly impacted the environment negatively.
While technical work such as solar engineering is traditionally considered a male-dominated skill, these Solar Mamas are not only breaking down gender roles, but are also changing the script for the future generation of women.
"Solar lamps are brightening their homes, enabling children to study at night and families to work together in the evening. The transformation has been profound," reports the WWF.
With this solar technology, humans are feeling good, and nature also. It doesn't smoke and doesn't smell bad.
Watch the video from Instagram that shows how these women and others are learning skills to help their communities.
Tune in to the 'Workzone with Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp', weekdays from 09:00 - 12:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Image Courtesy of iStock