Support Social Entrepreneurs Combat Energy Poverty

Overview

The Off-Grid Energy DELab will take place in 12 weeks in partnership with the Test and Training Centre for Renewable Energy Technologies (TCRET) at Mzuzu University in Northern Malawi, from November 11th through 16th. We have been focused on our strategy and planning to ensure the DELab has a true impact. We are working hand-in-hand with our partners at TCRET, as well as our Flame Tree Fellows, to deliver a unique and innovative curriculum for our participants. 

Curriculum

So far, we have developed an initial draft of our DELab curriculum. We aren’t reinventing the wheel; we are taking lessons learned from past DELabs and applying them here. Topics like Financing for Start-Ups, Best Practices in Hiring, Goal Setting, and Business Pitching still apply for the Off-Grid Energy DELab. On the energy side, the curriculum is brand new. We’re excited to introduce new sessions like Productive Use of Energy and Managing Microgrids. We are working in partnership with TCRET to match facilitators with appropriate sessions, while also coordinating with our Flame Tree Fellows who will participate during the DELab. 

Recruitment

We are officially opening up our recruiting efforts on Friday, August 23rd. We are seeking candidates who are creative and innovative and aren’t afraid to think outside the box. We want people who are passionate about electrifying Malawi through small business. We don’t expect all participants to have all the technical knowledge needed, but we do need applicants to be fast learners who are interested in building their skill sets. Finally, we are looking for collaborators and team players as we recognize that partnerships can be a critical step forward in launching social enterprises. 

We will advertise the posting online and also share within our broad network in Malawi, including partners in the NGO, private, institutional, and higher education sectors. Although our original goal was to have 15 participants in the DELab, we are focused on quality over quantity. We are hoping to reach the best and brightest individuals who are striving to address energy poverty through enterprise. 

The applications will close on September 20th and we intend on inviting participants to join the DELab in early October. 

By the time we submit our next quarterly report, we will have completed the Project! Please stay tuned for more updates. Thank you for your continued support!