Bringing Energy Equity Home

I grew up in a village in Malawi, which is one of the poorest nations on earth. You can only imagine what life was like, I did not know about electricity until I was 10 years old. I remember watching my grandmother struggle to get firewood for cooking, and we could rarely afford the paraffin necessary to light a lamp. 

When I went to college, I came to appreciate how deep the problem really was. Only about 12 percent of Malawi's population has access to electricity. This lack of access leaves people with no other option but to use charcoal and firewood, contributing to national deforestation.

I realized I had to take action, so I founded and registered Clean Heat Solutions, a renewable energy social enterprise with the aim of providing and promoting access to clean and affordable energy. For the past 3 years, we have worked with communities — supporting them with alternative cooking fuels made from waste and offering charcoal producers training in other income-generating activities to divert them from charcoal production. While working with the community, I met many people who lacked access to electricity, so I decided to learn more about solar technology and solar projects to bring solar technology to the communities I work with. 

I was honored to be selected by IREX to participate in the prestigious Community Engagement Exchange Fellowship program after sharing my ideas and aspirations for my community. This fellowship program led me to work with Groundswell as a fellow for 3 months. 

I have always wanted to travel to America and see the systems, infrastructure, technology, and people who helped this country advance. I have admired these advancements and innovators with the hope of replicating these solutions back in Malawi. 

My experience in the US has changed how I view many things. The interaction with people in the community, the buildings, road networks, the metro system, the service delivery, and the organization of essential services has taught me more than any leadership class could offer. I have been inspired by the attention to detail and the quality of things in this country.

My exposure to Groundswell has helped me learn more about energy infrastructure in the US. I learned about the leadership and organizational aspect of running a renewable energy organization. I now know how policies, tariffs, finances, and installation can influence successful systems in the energy sector. I also understand how administration fits into the bigger picture, which is unique because I could not learn locally in Malawi. Working with a host organization and peer collaborators enabled me to gain the skills I need to effectively communicate, be an attentive listener, and be organized. I have seen how people value time and deadlines, and how proper planning and effective goal-setting helps get things done. Finally, I have learned how  organizational values and beliefs can be the secrets to getting things done.

As I return to Malawi, I am more confident in myself and my ideas. I have developed project plans and ideas that I know I will be able to execute with ease. I see myself making a huge impact in people's lives, and I am equipped to create a legacy in my country that will outlive me. I will do whatever is necessary to solve the world's most pressing issues. I chose to take action rather than complain. I'm grateful to the Groundswell organization for hosting me and giving me the opportunity to learn and grow.