What is a Solar Mama?
“Solar Mama” is an affectionate term that Barefoot College International and Women Light The World use when referring to the women Solar Engineers who are trained. Mostly undereducated, they hail from marginalized, remote communities in Nepal, who bravely take on the responsibility and the commitment to become solar technicians. They are chosen for their fearless enthusiasm and eagerness to learn and then share that education and expertise with their communities. Each woman will become the Solar Engineer in her respective community.
How Solar Mamas are Selected
The selection process is a communal one, and most often, the entire village is involved in the choice of who will be their local Solar Mama. It is critical that the selection involves the consensus of the entire community. Our program aspires to help residents discover the sense of accomplishment that comes from learning new skills, which subsequently increase their value in the community.
This helps elevate the status of all women in the village. Moreover, the changes that result from having solar power become self-sustaining because these local communities assume ownership and agency in implementing their futures, enhanced by solar power.
Meet Our Solar Mamas From Nepal
Solar Mama Tsering
Tsering Pama Lama is our Solar Mama from the village of Torpa, the smallest village of Nyin Valley. Tsering is 44 and has two children, one currently being educated in Kathmandu. Torpa is our first village where solar home-lighting systems were installed.
WHAT THIS PROGRAM MEANS TO Tsering:
Historically, the village of Torpa has depended on hydroelectricity. However, chronically cold winters cause the lines to freeze and systems to break down. It is now Tsering’s responsibility to manage the entire process of installation and maintenance within her community. Tsering is delighted that she was trained and she nurtures an ever-growing desire to empower other women in the community with the knowledge she gained.
Solar Mama Chhepa
Chhepa Lahmu Lama is our Solar Mama from the village of Burunse, the largest community of the Nyin Valley. Chhepa is 47 and has three children who are currently in school in Humla.
WHAT THIS PROGRAM MEANS TO CHhEPA:
The women of Chhepa’s village are not typically allowed to leave the village. Men are expected to go out into the world and work, while the women are relegated to stay-at-home life, maintaining the household, and raising the children. The trip to India to study was Chhepa’s first time away from her family. She is thrilled that her community had faith in her abilities and she has now given solar electricity to hundreds of people in her village.
Solar Mama Laiku
Laiku Lama is our Solar Mama from the village of Bargaun. Laiku is 48 and has three children. Her daughter, the eldest, is currently going to college in Kathmandu, while her younger boys study in the village.
WHAT THIS PROGRAM MEANS TO LAIKU:
Laiku’s family is happy that she graduated from the program at Barefoot College International and has a remarkable new skill set, which will enable her to earn a living, as she helps to transform her community. She also has a strong desire to empower the women in her community and feels she can educate by example following the success of the installation of 220 solar home lighting systems.
The enriche leadership curriculum
To ensure that the women can wield their newly gained skills and let their entrepreneurial potential flourish, the Mamas also enrol in the Enriche curriculum. These classes were specially designed to promote self-advocacy and foster confidence in trainees. Classes reach beyond language or literacy barriers to encourage a successful grasp of all class materials regardless of her prior level of education or linguistics. Experiential, holistic learning is activated through 200+ hours of the 8 pillars of impact:
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An increase in self-esteem and self-confidence to achieve personal and business aspirations is the foundation of the trainee’s entire learning journey.
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Each woman should complete training with the ability to collect customer data, connect with customers, and conduct mobile banking and mobile money transactions.
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Participants are encouragedto share their skills andknowledge within theircommunitiesto transform communityprosperity through practicalactions and solutions.
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Improved hygiene, sanitation, and nutrition practices are learned that lead to better health and business performance.
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Improved environmental practices that lead to cost savings, time savings, and positive impacts on health & local wellbeing are featured.
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Responsible behavior is showcased in managing personal finances, collecting savings and undertaking & extending loans.
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Livelihood skills training is relevant to local resources and market opportunities. Social Enterprises are tailored to support the entire Value Chain.
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Confidence to build customer relationships is fostered so that she is able to independently make sales pitches and manage business operations.
“WE WANT TO WORK IN UNITY WITH OTHERS SO THAT WE CAN
EXPAND AND IMPACT THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE
”