20 Women Graduate from Barefoot Solar Training College

The graduation ceremony of 20 women solar technicians from the renowned Barefoot Women Solar Training College at Konta Line, on the outskirts of Freetown, was celebrated with great enthusiasm on Monday 31 July 2023. In attendance were distinguished guests, including the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Sierra Leone, representative of the UN Resident Coordinator, the Representative and Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Director General of Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This event marked a significant milestone in promoting sustainable energy solutions, women empowerment, and agricultural development in rural communities.

 

The Barefoot Solar Training College, renowned for its commitment to women through skills training, has been running an innovative teaching program focused on solar engineering. These 20 talented women from Falaba District have successfully completed an intensive course and are now equipped to repair and maintain solar water points, benefiting 300 herder households. This vital initiative, funded by the Peace Building Fund, will also introduce improved species of grass to enhance cattle nourishment, especially in the dry season in Falaba district in Sierra Leone and Faranah Prefecture in Guinea. These water points, along with improved species of grass, will help to mitigate conflict over scarce resources and foster social cohesion between cattle herders and farmers in the two countries, as it will encourage the cattle herders to keep the cattle within the ranches, thus avoiding conflict with the crop farmers.

 

Since 2021, WFP, the International Organization for Migration and the Talking Drum Studios have been implementing a cross-border Peace Building project aimed at strengthening the cooperation between Sierra Leone and Guinea in the areas of social cohesion, agriculture, and border management. WFP Sierra Leone is extensively involved in the agriculture sector, supporting various farming groups in Falaba district along the entire value chain of cultivation, process, and marketing of diverse crops.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Country Director of the World Food Programme, Ms. Yvonne Forsen, emphasized the importance of women’s central role in the preservation of the livelihoods of crop farmers and cattle herders and in peace.

 

Through a participatory process, 20 women from five communities in Falaba district were selected for the training.

Tenneh Koroma hails from Walia village, and her face glows with a radiant smile and profound gratitude as she clutches her well-earned certificate and tool kits. She effuses confidence and excitement, having completed the training that has bestowed her with valuable skills.

 

“The skills I have acquired will not only help me earn a livelihood, but also allow me to actively contribute to peace-building efforts within my community,” says Tenneh, her eyes reflecting her deep appreciation for the transformative impact of this training.

 

Iye Janneh, a first-time visitor to Freetown, expresses how this experience has been nothing short of life-changing for her. Although she was born in Sierra Leone, living on the Guinean border, she admits that she knew more about Guinea than her understanding of her own homeland. Iye’s journey has been one of self-discovery, and she now feels more connected and rooted in her native country, thanks to the empowering experience she gained here.

 

“Prior to undergoing the training, my knowledge of plumbing and solar pumps was non-existent. However, after completing the training, I have gained the expertise and confidence to proficiently address any issue that may arise on the ranches,” declares Simity Samura.

 

Not being opportuned to go to school has not hindered Director Haja Nancy Kanu, who leads the Barefoot Women Training College, from actively participating in national development.

 

“Despite being an illiterate, I am passionate about training women who can contribute to rural electrification and clean energy solutions,” says Haja.

 

Overall, this graduation ceremony marks a significant milestone in promoting sustainable energy, women’s empowerment, and agricultural development in rural communities. The dedication of the Barefoot Women Solar Training College, along with the support from various organizations, exemplifies the potential for positive change when knowledge and opportunities are extended to women in society. These women solar technicians are poised to make a meaningful impact in their communities and contribute to a brighter and more harmonious future for both Sierra Leone and Guinea.