How can we bring solar power to the children of Bulembu, in Eswatini
Piggs Peak, near the South African border. The devastating HIV/AIDS epidemic in the '90s left approximately 350,000 orphaned and vulnerable children in Eswatini living with little hope for their future. Drawn by love and compassion for these children, in 2006, Challenge Ministries Swaziland (CMS) revitalized the abandoned mining town of Bulembu, transforming it into a safe haven for 324 orphaned and vulnerable children, supported by 100 dedicated caregivers, who play a crucial role in the daily lives of these children. To ensure the well-being of Bulembu's residents, especially the children, electricity is indispensable. Africa RISE partnered with CMS, offering technical assistance to devise a comprehensive strategy, business plan, and implementation guide for solar electrification systems. This initiative aims to meet 100% of Bulembu's electricity needs, positioning the town as a center for demonstrating and educating renewable and sustainable energy in Eswatini. To make this vision a reality, we're launching a fundraising campaign with the aim of raising USD 1 million for the installation of a solar power system in Bulembu. Join us in empowering this community and advancing sustainable energy solutions in Eswatini!
Electricity generation is the leading cause of industrial air pollution in many countries. Most of the electricity generation comes from coal, nuclear, and other non-renewable power plants. Producing energy from these resources takes a severe toll on our environment, polluting our air, land, and water. Renewable energy sources can be used to produce electricity with fewer environmental impacts. It is possible to make electricity from renewable energy sources without producing CO2, the leading cause of global climate change. The development of clean energy has progressed and is in demand worldwide as there has been a continued rise in fossil fuel costs. One example of clean energy is solar energy. A large amount of solar energy enters the earth’s atmosphere, and in the last few years, solar energy use has increased rapidly among other energy sources.
Currently, Bulembu relies on the Eswatini Electricity Company grid for its primary power source. CMS envisions transforming Bulembu into a model green village, aiming to derive 100% of its electricity from renewable sources. This green village initiative aspires to become a benchmark for sustainable energy application, serving as a replicable model throughout Eswatini. Presently, Bulembu incurs a monthly cost of approximately E200, 000 (around EUR 10,053) to meet its electricity needs, an unsustainable expense as electricity costs continually rise. Implementing a 100% solar electrification system would eliminate these ongoing costs, redirecting the savings to support more orphaned and vulnerable children across Eswatini. This strategic shift not only ensures sustainability for Bulembu, but also contributes to a broader positive impact on the community's well-being.
The feasibility study has been developed by Africa RISE experts. This potential supplier of the solar solution was selected following a RFP process, and the plan for the crowdfunding activities agreed with CMS and other stakeholders. A pitch, video website and other communication materials are available fon the crowdfunding campaign page : https://www.
With a USD 1 million investment in solar power, Bulembu will save $1m in 8.5 years and secure a consistent power supply for the children, residents and enterprises. In the long term, once this project is implemented, it would help over 2,000 people from Bulembu and the surrounding areas benefit from clean energy.
Please help CMS help Bulembu https://www.bulembu.
You can join hands with CMS to transform Bulembu's future. Your support matters, and you can make a difference by contributing to our solar power initiative. Visit https://www.bulembu.org/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESOURCES
Visit our crowdfunding campaign : https://www.bulembu.org/solar-donate/
Watch our video : https://youtu.be/N6Cr6RPkBho