The Dakar team and NGO Barefoot College International (BCI) have renewed their partnership to train Senegalese women to become qualified solar energy technicians. The USD$400,000 grant by DP World will cover the recruitment and six-month training course for nine women, affectionately known as “Solar Mamas”, from the Kedougou Region of Senegal. Each of the women will go on to electrify 50+ houses in their local communities through the grant.

The donation will also cover the annual running costs of the Solar Mamas centre, including all the equipment, such as home lighting systems and lanterns, which are given to these bright, ambitious women at the end of the programme to support them in starting up their businesses as microentrepreneurs.

The training includes a component called “ENRICHE”, Barefoot College International’s women’s empowerment programme. The programme is made up of theoretical and practical training modules on topics such as health and nutrition, financial inclusion, digital literacy, environmental stewardship, sustainable livelihoods, as well as self-awareness and leadership development.

Upon the programme’s completion, the Solar Mamas will be professionals in installing, maintaining, and repairing solar-powered infrastructure.