No more car washes

Not that I have done a car wash for Tanzania, but "fundraising" has always had popular ideas that are not profitable; like car washes. So, I knew I needed a job.

Last week I started an internship at Energy Trust of Oregon in the solar electric program. My main intent is to raise money for the trip. It has developed into much more than that however. I had originally considered going back to previous jobs like granite installation but realized that if I was going to work, I should consider an internship that would be beneficial for my future career as well. After the first week, I can confidently say that this internship will do just that.

Swahili lessons

Tomorrow I start Swahili lessons. Very excited. One of the many personal benefits of this trip is the opportunity to experience another culture, including their language. Our goal is to improve their living conditions while respecting their traditions and culture. I am excited to observe and interact in Tanzania.

Also, it has been great to spend more time working with the other students going. There are so many gifted people that I get to spend time with on a daily basis. I am hoping that some of that will be contagious.

One step closer

This spring break has been great for getting stuff together for Tanzania. Yesterday I sent off the paperwork for my passport. Obviously very important. Also, there has been a guy in Tanzania collecting site details for the designs. It has been a challenge to design systems for locations so remote. His information is going to be a huge resource in engineering the systems.

There is a few fund-raising events coming up. On 3/24/11, a concert is being held and the profit is going towards the trip. Also, on April on 4/14 a dinner is being held to gain recognition and funds. The event, "A night in Africa," is going to be a dinner event with local large businesses, like Nike and Intel, OIT students, and the ambassador of Tanzania.

Here is some details about the event:

Solar Hope in partnership with Oregon Institute of Technology present
A Night in Africa

Sponsored by GLUMAC
Engineers for a Sustainable Future

An evening of African food, music, images and stories from Solar Hope’s projects in Tanzania.

Featuring special guest Her Excellency Ambassador Maajar of Tanzania.

Thursday, Apr 14, 2011, 6:00pm
Ecotrust Natural Capital Center
721 NW 9th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

Join Oregon Institute of Technology students to celebrate the people of Africa, discuss renewable energy and to support the Solar HOPE project in Tanzania that will bring lights to schools and hospitals; and dramatically impact education and health care for thousands of children across the country.

A select number of individual tickets are available for $25 per person.

Sponsorship of solar installation for a school or clinic is encouraged, and includes a reserved table and seating with the ambassador at the event: $2500-$3500.

For tickets and more information visit www.solar-hope.org or email us at info@solar-hope.org. Together, we can bring the gift of light, the promise of hope, and the restoration of faith in humanity to people in Africa.

Asante sana,
Solar HOPE

ARTICLE ABOUT SPS IN THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES

I found this article really interesting, It talks specifically about using renewable energy in developing countries.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/25/science/earth/25fossil.html?_r=2&hp

PROJECT PRESENTATION

This morning I presented the project and I got a fantastic response. For class purposes, the project presented had much more involved than what will be actually used. Solar Hope could be posting this specific project on their website here in the near future.

Some other projects that are being considered for installation: an irrigation system for a nonprofit farm providing food for locals, lighting for a school for women in Rwanda, a water purification system for a system installed last year, and multiple cell phone chargers.

It was exciting to hear all the great ideas from other students.

SO, the meeting planned to discuss the financies of the trip was canceled because of "SNOW APOCALYPSE 2011." The half inch of snow was enough to cancel classes. Anyways, the meeting was rescheduled for Thursday.

Paypal set up to simplify contributions

I have been contemplating the best way to approach contributions, and a Paypal account is the solution.   It gives the option for anonymous donations and simplifies accounting.  A Paypal account is required, but free and easy if you don't have one.  You should click the link and make a donation just to see how easy it really is.