A Solar Christmas to Everyone

Christmas is about Hope, Possibilities and Charity…

A strong woman I admire, Elsie Attieku-Nuku, aka The Black Curvy Diva, recently posted on her wall what she thinks the essence of Christmas is. She said, and I’m quoting almost verbatim, that Christmas is about Hope, Possibilities and Charity. She cited an example of an aunt of hers, of blessed memory, who gave to her neighbors during Christmas. They didn’t have much, but would move from house to house with a cup of rice, two pieces of onions and some tomatoes. For those who understand the role that rice and tomato stew played during Christmas parties in the '90s, you would agree that this gesture, although missing the accompaniment of chicken and oil, would have helped offset more than fifty percent of the budget of any family wallowing in abject poverty.

If you agree that Christmas is about giving, but are wondering what to do for charity this Christmas, look no further because Solar People has made it easy for us all. I had an interview with the founder of the company Gideon Marcel Commey, and he had a lot to share about the work of the company and what they have in store for some lucky children this Christmas.

What is Solar People?

Solar People is a solar start-up company in Ghana that provides solar lighting solutions to rural, off grid communities. The company, which was registered in 2014, has a vision to meet consumer energy needs with solar, one person and a community at a time, thereby inspiring innovation and sustainability. They believe that “energy poverty”, the lack of electricity in many rural communities, is at its high in Ghana, leading to the use of kerosene lanterns and other poor sources of light by school going children to study at night.  They want to bridge the gap with clean and renewable energy, and have consistently focused on people before profit.

Afi Antonio of the #Solar4Girls Program

They also run a “solar for girls” program, led by Afi Antonio, that deliberately targets girls in off-grid communities who could also benefit from the use of solar lamps.

Their long term goals are to eradicate kerosene lanterns from the homes of all school going children who rely on them to study at night and to manufacture their own brand of a solar lamp made in Ghana.

For a business that is not profit driven, one may ask how they manage to survive. Well, whereas their primary source of funding is from the solar business of selling lamps and residential solar PV installation, their secondary sources of funding, solely for the provision of lamps to school children, is donations from family and friends.

What are they looking to do?

Solar People since its inception and in line with its goals have made it a point to donate solar lanterns, which they call the wakawaka lamps, to rural communities in the country. They have visited two schools this year: one in Hobor in the Ga South Municipality and the other in Likpe Nkwanta. They have donated over 50 lamps in these two communities to the tune of over GHȼ 4,000.

One of the communities that benefited from the donation this year

Besides the lack of electricity, the schools visited by the Solar People have other problems. The school buildings are not in the best of shape and classrooms require a face-lift. Pupils are also in need of school uniforms and educational supplies like text books, note books and pens, among others.

The Solar People is looking to donate at least 50 lamps this Christmas to a yet to be verified off-grid community. They are currently considering the Bomba DA Junior High School (JHS) in Kansa on the Mampong road in Takoradi in the Western Region. The school has a total of ninety pupils but the target is mainly the JHS 3 students.

A lamp costs GHȼ 80, meaning they are looking to raise a total of at least GHȼ 4000 for this exercise.

Grace, a member of the team, handing a lamp over to school girl

Why do I root for Solar People?

Besides the fact that I know Gideon Marcel personally and can attest that he is a highly motivated young man looking to impact his society, the simple reason I love his company is their interest in the sustainable development goals (SDGs). 

These are a set of seventeen “global goals” agreed upon by the United Nations. The goals are to drive development the world over with the aim of ensuring a sustainable future for the next generation.

While the work of the company is indirectly related to a number of the goals, it falls directly under "Goal Number 7" which is “affordable and clean energy”, a goal that is targeted at reducing environmental degradation. I know many agree that anything aimed at preserving the environment directly impacts our livelihoods postively.

So Don’t Just Read and Like, Give.

I understand that many of us appreciate a good cause and would encourage it with a ‘Facebook like”. I however would like to appeal that though liking and following a cause is very much appreciated, accompanying one’s interest with actions would be more impactful. I have pledged to donate two lamps to the Solar People. 

Even if you cannot donate the cost of a single lamp, remember Elsie’s aunt, who gave rice, onions and tomatoes because it was all she had. Give whatever you can. Someone else’s kind gesture will surely compliment the efforts and together, I am sure, we would put smiles on the faces of these children.

Visit the Solar People's Facebook page for more information or send a message via email or phone:

Email: solarpeoplegh@gmail.com

Number: 0206923399

God Bless you and have a Solar Christmas!