Empowering Santa Teresa, Solar Energy for a Village in Southern Belize
Empowering Santa Teresa, Solar Energy for a Village in Southern Belize
There are 48 villages in southern Belize; about fifteen have no electricity. One of those remote villages is Santa Teresa, located in the Moho River watershed, and its future connection to the national electricity grid is highly unlikely. Electricity is crucial for development in many ways. It helps children study with lights at night. In San Jose village, results indicate that student grades rose about 25% with solar electrification. Solar power specifically has several big advantages. It is decentralized so that each household can have its own power system, albeit small. It mitigates against climate change because it replaces carbon dioxide (CO2)-producing kerosene and candles. It also helps villages in several other ways including providing power for small appliances and the possibility of small business development. It contributes to better health for residents by removing inhalation of smoke and fumes from homemade kerosene lamps and candles.

The project fits the GEF SGP
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Project Snapshot

Grantee:
Plenty International (Belize) Limited
Country:
Belize
Area Of Work:
Climate Change Mitigation
Grant Amount:
US$ 50,000.00
Co-Financing Cash:
US$ 8,550.00
Co-Financing in-Kind:
US$ 53,177.00
Project Number:
BZE/SGP/OP6/Y4/CORE/2015/01
Status:
Satisfactorily Completed

Photo Gallery

Project Characteristics and Results
Notable Community Participation
All activities of the project will target men, women, and children in an equitable manner. Solar electrification in the homes will benefit all family members. All primary and high school students will be able to complete their homework assignments and study for their classes in a more suitable environment.
Gender Focus
As a traditional Maya village, life in Santa Teresa is can be difficult for women. In this project, equal opportunities exist for men and for women to increase their capacity and to benefit from solar energy. The Barefoot Solar Engineer system specifically targets middle-aged women because they are past child-rearing. Ms. Choc traveled by herself halfway around the world and now has returned with skills. She is the only female member of the Power Board. She will train at least one assistant, a position that will be available for men or women. As an empowered woman, Ms. Choc is a powerful role model for the young women of her village, indeed for all of Toledo and beyond. All publicity about the project will feature Ms. Choc.
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Partnership

Barefoot College

SGP Country office contact

Mr. Leonel Requena
Phone:
(501) 822-2462
Email:
Esther Calles
Email:

Address

2nd Floor, David L. McKoy Business Center, Bliss Parade, P.O. Box 53
Belmopan, Central America