This project takes two main paths:
First, addressing infrastructure restoration and resilience for both the FRIENDS Campus
and the community. Existing structures on the FRIENDS Campus are currently hooked
up to Bahamas Power and Light, however this is still the exception and many homes and
facilities are operating on diesel generator in the absence of city power. The first
objective of this project is to install new solar panels and inverters to reinstate a
renewable energy source at the FRIENDS Campus and continue with our goals to be
sustainable and set an example for the greater Abaco community. The second objective
would be to install a rain water catchment system which would enable FRIENDS to
produce and supply potable water to anyone utilizing the FRIENDS Campus. By
fortifying our utilities and focusing on renewable resources, FRIENDS will strengthen our
ability to participate in disaster first response.

Second, capacity building. Recovery is a tricky process...so many of the activities
necessary for recovery need to happen in parallel. As our infrastructure is rebuilt, human
capital also needs to be considered. FRIENDS will use this installation project as a
learning opportunity to build capacity within the community and the organization, to
understand and maintain solar equipment. As a pilot project, youths will receive training
during the solar photovoltaic system installation, which will ultimately help build on-island
capacity and support the need for more solar technicians. FRIENDS staff and
community members will also have access to information and guidance that will allow
them to more actively participate in increasing renewable energy in Abaco. A schoolbased
education program called WASH and DRY (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and
Disaster Recovery) will aid in community awareness and stewardship of water
conservation practices. The rainwater catchment system at the FRIENDS Campus will become a demonstration site for that program, in partnership with Water Mission.
This project is supportive of nationwide efforts to institute renewable energy and seeks
to find ways to fill knowledge gaps to facilitate community buy-in while helping the
community be resilient to natural disasters. The Bahamas has become signatory to SIDS
DOCK, an international treaty aiming to help finance solutions for achieving key targets
in energy such as 50% of energy generated from renewable resources and 25%
increase in energy efficiency. FRIENDS can also echo national efforts being
implemented as part of Carbon War Room?s Ten Island Challenge, which includes
initiatives such as developing solar photovoltaic energy across the family islands and
documenting best practices. The Bahamas? National Energy Policy commits to working
towards 30% of total energy being produced by renewable resources by the year 2033.
The government has already initiated works to fulfill this in the public sector; FRIENDS
can continue to be a leading example in the private sector.