Global Projects 2020: Empowering Communities through Solar Power Installations
Posted on Wednesday, March 4th, 2020
“When we say Light is just the beginning… we mean it. Until yesterday, this family used kerosene lamps in their home. After our group in Guatemala installed a solar system, they will have clean energy and better health conditions as they move away from toxic sources of lighting”
– Light Up the World
Giving back in Guatemala
The AC Hub provides opportunities for students to become engaged global citizens by organizing Global Projects, service-learning trips for students, recent alumni, staff, and faculty from the Ottawa, Perth, and Pembroke campuses.
This year, a team of 7 eager volunteers travelled to the region of Todos Santos in Guatemala from February 22 – March 1, 2020. The team partnered with Light Up the World to install renewable solar power energy systems, giving local families access to clean energy and empowerment.
Over a trip duration of 9 days, this Global Projects team completed 6 home solar power installations for families in need. Providing a clean and sustainable source of energy is just the beginning. Access to electricity for one family means a ripple effect for the entire community. Access to electricity means families can boil water for sanitization, use a computer to gain information about the world, and that children no longer have to complete homework by the light of kerosene lamps which are toxic to their health.
Coming full-circle and empowering others
This trip has provided locals of Todos Santos with three pillars of volunteerism: the gift of time, a skillset, and financial means. Students donated their time to participate in the installation process and to get to know the community. . The locals are then trained on how to maintain the solar power systems to close the knowledge gap. This prolongs the life of the solar system, empowers the community to take ownership of their system, which makes the project come full-circle and truly sustainable. Prior to the trip, students fundraised to help offset the cost of the solar systems. Financially, this trip worked out to roughly one solar system donated by each participant. All three of these components together create a deep impact in the global community and a life-changing experience for our AC community during and long after this trip.
Expand your horizons with Global Projects
Interested in travelling to new heights with the AC Hub? Each year, Global Projects teams share a unique experience with fellow students from a variety of academic and cultural backgrounds, skillsets, and personalities. Regardless of where you’re from or where you’re going, participating in Global Projects will challenge your perceptions, offer authentic cultural experiences, and take you to places you’ve never been before!
Leading up to the team’s departure, participants attend various leadership and team-building activities to help create a sense of cohesion between the group members, prompt self-reflection and leadership development.
On this trip, the team received hands-on training for each step of the installation process, so that they were prepared for the tasks ahead. This inclusive approach means that participants from any academic background can participate in a trip like this, and each person may experience the trip through their own personal lens.
Unfortunately, applications for the 2019-2020 Global Projects have closed. If you’re interested in learning more about future opportunities, please complete the General Interest Form so that you can be contacted when details become available for the 2020 – 2021 destinations or visit the Global Projects website to learn more!
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