Stories
Transforming Household Livelihoods Through Solar Energy
Meet Esther Banda, a single mother of three from Nkanda, Mulanje. Before accessing solar energy through Kwawala Energies, Esther relied on candles and kerosene lamps for lighting, which were both expensive and hazardous. Through the Village Savings and Loans (VSL) group, she purchased a SunKing Home 40 system on a flexible payment plan. Since installing the solar system, Esther has been able to extend her business hours, selling vegetables and homemade snacks in the evenings. This has increased her income by 35%, enabling her to provide better nutrition for her children and save more in her VSL group. Additionally, her children now have access to reliable lighting for their studies, leading to improved school performance. Esther’s success story exemplifies the economic and social impact of Kwawala Energies’ initiative.
Enhancing Learning and Education for Rural Students
For many students in Mulanje, studying at night was a challenge due to a lack of reliable lighting. This was the case for John Phiri, a 14-year-old student at Nkanda Secondary School. Before accessing a SunKing Pico lamp through Kwawala Energies’ credit model, John struggled to complete his homework and prepare for exams. His family, like many others in the area, could not afford grid electricity, and the cost of candles was unsustainable. After purchasing the solar lamp, John has been able to study for longer hours without financial strain on his family. His grades have significantly improved, and he recently ranked among the top three students in his class. Teachers have reported a general improvement in students’ performance in communities where solar lamps have been distributed, reinforcing the positive impact of Kwawala Energies on education in rural areas.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Through Solar Energy
In the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy, many women entrepreneurs in Mulanje struggled to rebuild their businesses. Mary Chirwa, a small-scale tailor, was one of the affected individuals. Limited lighting hours meant she could only work during the day, reducing her productivity and income. Through Kwawala Energies’ initiative, Mary acquired a SunKing Home 200 solar system, which allowed her to extend her working hours into the evening. With consistent lighting, she has increased her daily output, attracting more customers and doubling her income within three months. Additionally, she has empowered other women in her VSL group by advocating for the benefits of solar energy, leading to a ripple effect of economic empowerment among women entrepreneurs. Mary’s story is a testament to how access to affordable solar energy fosters business growth and resilience in disadvantaged communities.
