This project was a collaborative effort between our passionate friend Deborah Thompson, GivePower, and SAFARI FRANK. Together, we contributed to the upliftment of an entire community in the Buhoma region of Uganda, and the results have been remarkable.
The Need
In the town of Buhoma, Uganda, the nonprofit Ride 4 a Woman has long been a beacon of hope for women struggling with HIV, domestic violence, hunger, and poverty. Through their dedicated efforts, they have provided clean drinking water, employment, scholarships, shelter, microloans, and long-term solutions for people in need. Even during the most challenging times, including the pandemic, they managed to sustain community initiatives. However, their ability to further these efforts was limited by a lack of reliable electricity.
With reliable power, Ride 4 a Woman has been able to expand sales of their high-quality crafted goods to a global online market. This has allowed them to continue their current programs and further their support for the people of Buhoma, Uganda.
The Opportunity
GivePower, a registered U.S. non-profit and a finalist in the Fast Company 2021 World-Changing Ideas Awards, installed a clean and renewable solar energy solution that transformed the capabilities of Ride 4 a Woman. This solar installation enabled them to power computers and establish an online shop, thereby expanding their sales to a global market. The increased income has significantly improved the lives of the people of Buhoma.
Project Goals Achieved:
- Provided renewable and sustainable power to the Ride 4 a Woman Community Center, Noel’s Cottage, Mwebesa House, Sabini House, and on-site restaurant.
- Installed energy-efficient appliances and lighting.
- Expanded services provided to the community of Buhoma Parish through reliable energy, including newly established charging stations.
- Created an online business for Ride 4 a Woman’s shop, expanding sales to a global market.
- Successfully marketed and grew Ride 4 a Woman’s online shop and tourism business, increasing income for the Community Center and expanding services.
- Increased the number of women, children, and local residents of Buhoma Parish receiving support and services as income grew.
About Ride 4 a Woman
Established in Uganda in 2009 by Evelyn Habasa and her husband Denis, Ride 4 a Woman was created to support local women struggling with HIV, domestic violence, and oppressive poverty. The organization began by repairing local bicycles, a primary means of transportation, and training women in bike repair. Over the years, Ride 4 a Woman has expanded its income sources to include handmade goods, sewing, basket weaving, performance art, tourism lodging, and a café. They have also expanded their services to support hundreds of women, children, and residents of Buhoma Parish with clean water, education, counseling, and microloans for startup businesses.
Impact of Ride 4 a Woman
- Provides services and support to over 300 local women who are victims of domestic violence, AIDS, and extreme poverty.
- Employs 54 women to make crafted goods and 17 support staff to run facilities.
- Provides education to 86 children through a scholarship program.
- Has created over 100 businesses through microloans to local women.
- Provides over 150 liters of clean water daily via water filters at the community center.
- Supports the residents of Buhoma Parish, population ~7000, by providing food, water, education, counseling, job training, and microloans for new businesses.
Customized Project Installation based on Detailed Inspection
On July 4, 2022, Village Energy conducted a detailed site visit of the Ride 4 a Woman Community Center to assess their needs. The project provided:
- A centralized, customized Solar PV system to power all buildings in Ride 4 a Woman’s Community Center.
- Two eco-friendly, solar-powered DC refrigerators.
- Solar-powered compound lighting, including two 4500lm lights at entrances and four 3000lm lights around the site.
- Three flat plate 300ltrs solar water heaters to supply water to the units and the kitchen.
About GivePower
GivePower is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation committed to extending the environmental and social benefits of clean, renewable energy around the globe. GivePower uses solar and battery storage technologies to deliver essential services to the developing world. The organisation has helped bring clean power and clean water to underserved communities in 25 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
- GivePower received top honours in Fast Company’s 2021 World Changing Ideas Awards, including “Best World Changing Ideas North America”, “Developing World Technology” and “General Excellence”
- Recipient of 2021 Energy Globe Award
- Guidestar Gold Rated U.S. 501(c)(3) non-profit
