Turning on the Power of Donors

April 29, 2009

Kathryn Cunningham Hall (C'08), founder of Power Up Gambia, officially turned on the switches of the 96 solar panels which will now provide the Sulayman Junkung General Hospital with constant electricity and clean, running water.

      details of the event: Kathryn's blog | newsletter [.pdf]

"It's a dream come true," said Kebba Badgie, the hospital's chief executive.

It's also a demonstration of the power that's generated by collaborative generosity.

The concept of solar energy for the hospital in Bwiam was conceived in the summer of 2006 while Kathryn was volunteering there as an undergrad. She saw the critical need for electricity and founded Power Up Gambia to raise money for solar panels.

      see our full story, Feb 09

The Next Project: Somita Clinic

With the success of the solar and water system project at SJGH," writes Jen Abraczinskas, "we are excited to launch the next project to improve lives -- the Somita Clinic Project." This will provide, for the first time, solar electricity and water for the clinic every hour of every day.

All this new energy is certainly significant, but perhaps it's the new energization that is the real power of Power Up Gambia -- an energization that's empowering giving as well as The Gambia.

"My hope is that this project will serve as a model for other solar energy initiatives," writes Kathryn. "Power Up Gambia has been a story of a community here in the USA uniting around a common cause and forever changing a community in The Gambia for the better. I want to say a special thank you to my family, friends, our donors and our Board for your support. Thank you! You made this possible."

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