In a small village in Madagascar, local grandmothers are quite literally lighting the wayâone solar panel at a time.
Before this small group of women from Ambakivaoâaffectionately known as the âSolar Mamasââembarked on a six-month journey to India to become solar engineers, getting much done after dark was a challenge. The community relied on firewood and gas lamps to light their way after sunset. Since returning, these remarkable women have installed over 200 solar panels and continue to repair any that break, all in an effort to illuminate their villages and secure a brighter future for their communities!
The Solar Mamas are trained to install solar panels in homes, empowering their communities while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. As they gain hands-on technical skills, they also pass on their knowledge, training other grandmothers to join the movement.
The project, led by the nonprofit Barefoot College, aims to train 700 Solar Mamas by 2030, bringing electricity to over 500,000 homes across Madagascar. Itâs a powerful blend of sustainability, community, and women-led change.