Hi, this is my first post on Intent, so I suppose this a good time to introduce myself. My name is Deep Patel, I live in Los Angeles and I’m passionate about helping you get started with green energy. It’s quite ironic that I ended up at the forefront of the green energy revolution since if you literally translate my unique first name, it means “the one who holds the light”, I guess your name has a lot of meaning in relation to your path in life, wouldn’t you agree?
Can you believe its 2009 and there’s still billions of people in the world without reliable electricity? Reliable power is what most of us here in the U.S. take for granted. Having a stable source of electricity has not only been a vital part of our economy’s success over the last 100 years but has also given a chance for anyone to live a decent lifestyle. Toady, I want share with you how I’m fulfilling my primary intent to,“help people in urgent need, gain access to clean energy.”
Recently, I have helped two non-profit organizations with their solar power projects. Unleash the Power for the People Foundation, has a goal to donate a solar electric system to schools around the world without access to energy. Bashoy-Abucot Elementary School located in the remote mountainous region of Benguet, Philippines, 300 kids had no access to power until the foundation raised the funds to donate a 1.1 kilowatt solar electric system to the school. The solar panels installed on top of the school’s roof provides the elementary school new opportunities by powering a computer, TV, lights and fans to create a comfortable learning environment. These children now have more resources to learn and acquire the skills they need for the 21st century.
On the other hand the Mujeres de Maíz Opportunity Foundation a non-profit based out of Sequim, Washington wanted to improve the lives of the lives of the indigenous young women of the Mujeres de Maíz en Resistencia Cooperative in the poorest states in Mexico called Chiapas. The cooperative is a group of seamstresses and more than often they have to sew through the night which is difficult due to the lack of electrical power, which forces the seamstresses to use expensive and dangerous kerosene lamps.
The Mujeres de Mujeres de Maíz Opportunity Foundation took an interesting approach to solve the lighting problem for the seamstresses by donating Everlite Solar Compact Spotlights which are basically a highly efficient LED light bulbs with a nickel-metal hydride battery and small solar panel. Now, thanks to the Mujeres de Maíz Opportunity Foundation, the seamstresses have access to solar electricity which replaces kerosene oil, an expensive item for the poor women to purchase. This is a great example of how even the smallest solar panel can make a big impact for some people. Don’t you agree?
Here in the U.S. we tend to focus on how solar panels can reduce our energy bills, but there are so many problems renewable energy can solve in developing countries. Delivering energy to the people who have never experienced life with reliable power is the largest untapped opportunity for renewable energy in my opinion. Clean power to the people will change the world as we know it by giving people the same opportunities that we enjoy today. What do you think?
Deep, really interesting projects! Is there a way to become involved in Unleash the Power of the People Foundation? Also, I love that you share the meaning of your name. 'Twas meant to be!
Awesome! These are exactly the sort of programs that I think are the future of both philanthropy and the world. It is both forward thinking and sustainable. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Wow, this is really amazing and inspiring! Please keep posting more stuff; I look forward to reading more!
Balanchine,
thanks for the comment! yes, Unleash the Power for the People is always looking for people who can add value to the cause. I'll send you a private message with the contact information of who you should talk to at the foundation. I believer your right, it was meant to be, everything happens for a reason I believe.
Blazedale,
no problem, its a good way to raise awareness, please let others know who maybe interested in projects that help schools have no power go solar!
Yumi,
I will be posting more projects as we deploy solar panels for more needy schools. The Unleash the Power for the People Foundation also has a project planned in Africa and India, I'll keep you updated! thanks again for your support!
I enjoyed this informative post Deep. I think most of us in developed countries cannot possibly understand what it is like not to have water and electricity in our homes. I spent the last three months camping and I learned by experience that I had to spend most of my time on standard survival tasks. I eventually gave up the battle because I could, so I drove 2 hours roundtrip daily to get connected on the internet and shower at the spa. But I still wasted 2+ hours of my day to reach civilization. In order for underdeveloped countries to grow, their people must have easy access to what is basic to us in the USA, Europe and other developed countries around the world. I am honored to read about what you are doing for others less fortunate, so that we can all have the opportunity for a better life.
Love, Char
Deep,
Thank you for your noble efforts
Wishing you a Vision filled with Wisdom and Progress always
Love and Light
God Bless
Vashi
http://thesoulspeaks.wordpress.com/
Char,
thank you so much for the support and sharing your experience about living without energy resources, what an eye opener experience! That's impressive that you spent 3 months camping with limited interaction with civilization, I bet it was an unforgettable learning experience.
Vashi,
thank you for the comment and support, I'm glad you enjoyed the story.