We’d Like to Wish Everyone Happy Holidays and a Very Joyous New Year!
We Send Our Sincere Thanks for Your Ongoing Support
As we welcome the holiday season and gear up to embrace the New Year, we at Barefoot College International would like to extend our heartfelt wishes to all our supporters, partners, and friends. Your unwavering support has played a pivotal role in making 2023 a remarkable year of growth, progress, and empowerment.
Celebrating Our Achievements in 2023
This past year has seen significant advancements in our projects, as we successfully installed 2,485 solar home lighting systems and trained over 850 women in economic uplift and livelihood skills. These achievements not only reflect our commitment to sustainable development but also underline the transformative impact of your contributions on marginalized communities around the world.
With the qualified skills gained from our training programs, women in various regions have been able to sell goods at prices exceeding market averages, thereby uplifting their economic status and creating pathways for self-sufficiency. Your support has been instrumental in positively changing the quality of life for these women, allowing them to access energy, education, and economic opportunities that were previously out of reach.
A Journey of Transformation
We are far more than just a charity; we are a community dedicated to solving poverty and gender inequality. With your encouragement and partnership, we aim to bring about enduring change in the lives of countless women. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key accomplishments from our various project regions as we summarize the impact of your generosity.
Zanzibar: A Year of Empowerment
In Zanzibar, this year has culminated in the installation of 240 solar home lighting systems. We proudly trained 8 women as advanced Solar Engineers and developed a team of 27 Master Trainers to further disseminate their knowledge. Additionally, 262 women were trained in beekeeping and honey production—an essential trade that has shown to elevate their income by 50%.
One of our proudest accomplishments was the distribution of menstrual health products and education to 463 young women and girls, significantly enhancing their ability to maintain regular school attendance post-puberty. Such initiatives not only foster economic independence but also empower women to break through educational barriers.
Madagascar: Building Sustainable Futures
In Madagascar, we successfully trained 29 female Solar Engineers, creating a robust backbone of skilled women who can build and maintain solar lighting systems. We also prepared 8 new Master Trainers and taught 37 women vital agricultural skills, focusing on permaculture and sustainability. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate energy needs but also promotes food security and environmental stewardship within their communities.
Senegal: Brightening Lives with Clean Energy
Our projects in Senegal have made a significant impact, with the installation of 775 solar home lighting systems benefiting over 4,500 people in rural areas. We’ve also trained 24 new female Solar Engineers, ensuring that communities have direct access to knowledge and resources required for clean energy solutions. This has resulted in enhanced quality of life, economic stability, and a move toward sustainable practices.
Guatemala: Showcasing Women as Solar Engineers
In Guatemala, Barefoot College International had the honor of showcasing our female Solar Engineers at the prestigious COP28 event. Our endeavors included training 12 new women as Solar Engineers and providing advanced drone skills training to 14 women to enhance agricultural practices. With such innovative skills, these women can tackle agricultural challenges and bolster community resilience.
Thank You for Your Support
As we reflect on our achievements, we are deeply grateful for your contributions. The successes and transformations we have experienced this year are a direct result of your generosity and support. Together, we are not just providing temporary solutions; we are actively participating in the long-lasting eradication of rural poverty and the marginalization of women.
Best Wishes for the Holidays and New Year!
As we turn the page on 2023, the Barefoot College International team extends our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. May this holiday season joyfully illuminate your lives, and may the New Year bring hope, success, and opportunities for continued collaboration.
We eagerly look forward to embarking on another year of meaningful progress with you by our side. Together, we can continue to illuminate futures and empower those who have been overlooked for too long.
Warmest wishes and see you next year!
The Barefoot College International Team
