By Kiwiana Ngabung – EMTV Online, Port Moresby
We Care Solar is the first recipient of the Powering the Future We Want – Recognizing Innovative Practices in Energy for Sustainable Development award, for their Solar Suitcases.
Powering the Future is an initiative by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) that offers a one million US dollars fund to an individual, institution or partnership based on past and current achievements in leadership and innovative practices in advancing energy for sustainable development.
Last week when receiving the award, Dr Laura E. Stachel – co-founder and executive director of We Care Solar said, “The United Nations is shining a light on an area that has all too often been overlooked — the lack of reliable electricity in health facilities. I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of health workers who have seen the miracle of light and power in saving lives, and we have much more work to do. This award is the beginning of a brighter future for women and babies everywhere.”
The non-profit organisation’s trademark “Solar Suitcases” was initially put together for midwives in maternal health clinics in northern Nigeria. And has now gotten recognition from all over the world.
The suitcases comprise a universal mobile phone charger, a battery charger for AAA or AA batteries, two headlamps and an LED medical task lighting that’s highly efficient. For midwives, there is the fetal Doppler.
There’s also an expanded system, similar to the basic kit, which can charge a laptop and other devices, and has an extra set of LED medical lights. It includes two 80 watt panels and a 79 amp-hour sealed absorbent glass mat (AGM) battery.
With the grant We Care Solar will enhance its products and extend to other parts of the world.
At the UN Energy Grant Award ceremony, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said, “Energy is a key priority for the United Nations.
“Energy underpins our efforts to achieve development objectives – from reducing extreme poverty to enhancing food security, from powering essential health services to providing electricity for education.”
He further urged all present at the ceremony to remain engaged and encouraged them to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Read more about We Care Solar here.
