EarthSpark is tackling youth unemployment and lack of energy access by training capable Haitian graduates in clean energy entrepreneurship! With an Eneji Pwop (Clean Energy in Creole) 'business in a bag', training, and back-end-business services, EarthSpark will help 40 Haitian youth launch their own sustainable energy enterprises to earn money for themselves while expanding energy access in their communities.
High school and college graduates in Haiti face unemployment rates over 40%. At the same time, families struggle to see at night as they breathe the smoke of dangerous kerosene lamps. While 75% of Haitian households have no electricity, solar home systems and solar desk lights can provide affordable sources of light, energy and business opportunities. However, lack credit, training, and a reliable supply chain often hinder business development and end-user access to these technologies.
We will train forty business-oriented youth to become clean energy entrepreneurs. Those who successfully complete training on energy literacy, marketing, and business skills will graduate with a "business in a bag" kit including marketing materials and start-up inventory that can be expanded in the future through a Kiva small business loan.
EarthSpark has been expanding rapidly over the past year and has ambitious plans for the next three years to expand its retail and micro-grid activities, throughout all of Haiti with an overarching goal to provide energy access to over 3 million people. EarthSpark works with local community organizations and local and national governments to promote clean energy adoption and to ensure that activities are aligned with government objectives and will have long-term sustainability.
