MULIA strives to support vulnerable youth and adults in our community. We are constructing a building to house our services, but it is not connected to the power grid. A solar power system is the only way for us to access electricity. We will be able to purchase the base system for $1700, and will be able to expand the system's capabilities after we reach later fundraising goals of $3600 and $5000. We are excited to teach our community about the science and the importance of sustainable energy.
We are currently limited to only providing services during daylight hours. We can only provide access to the internet through a smart phone when a staff member who owns one is able to come to the center, and these devices run out of power after about an hour, and with no means to recharge them. We are not able to afford a piano for our music program, and can only use an electric keyboard if we can access power. We are seeking a way to teach the community about the value of sustainable energy.
We will be able to hold programs after dark and teach computer skills. With internet access we can gain knowledge through web research, connect to others around the world through Zoom and email, share presentations about African culture, and take advantage of offers from international volunteers to provide online tutoring. We will not have ongoing power bills to drain our limited budget. By modeling solar power, we will increase customers for our ongoing fundraiser of selling solar lamps.
MULIA serves over 600 individuals, many who lack access to water, nutrition, electricity, and education. We aim to empower Uganda's vulnerable youth by helping them discover and pursue their dreams of the future, regardless of the circumstances of their pasts. Having a source of reliable electricity that is environmentally and financially sustainable, will allow us expand the range of programs we provide, increase the number of individuals we can assist, and foster international connections.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).