Myanmar (Burma)

Overview
Irrawaddy Faces Project
Humanitarian Medical Aid
Myitkyina Schools
Rural Electrification

Cambodia

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Vocational Education & Microfinance
Forest & Cultural Site
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rural electrification projects

Magwe Solar Village Project: 

Of Myanmar’s 65,000 villages, only about 7 percent are on the grid.  This leaves about 67% of the population struggling in darkness.  Magwe Division is located in Myanmar’s central dry-zone, a region suffering from drought, desertification, and a higher incidence of malnourishment than other parts of the country.  Dry zone communities are particularly underserved by the national power system.  BSSPI is partnering with the Renewable Energy Association of Myanmar (REAM) to help change that.  REAM is a local non-profit, non-governmental organization that has worked to promote conservation, renewable energy technologies and reduce fuel-wood use as an aspect of rural development since 1993.   REAM has previously partnered successfully with the UNDP, the WFP, and OXFAM; among other projects, they are presently working hard to ensure that critical mangrove forests are protected amidst widespread post-Cyclone Nargis reconstruction in the Irrawaddy Delta.  REAM’s agenda is concurrent with BSSPI goals – help the poor and preserve the environment through the use of “green” alternatives in local development. 

This proposed two-year project focuses on three rural villages near Nat Mauk. The initial phase consists of community discussions and training on solar electrification to build capacity and foster local ownership.  Subsequent phases will emplace community-owned photovoltaic charging stations that are operated and sustained by the villagers themselves. These installations provide an inexpensive, practical, reliable and renewable means for villagers to recharge personally-owned battery / inverter sets to light their homes.  Later, we will extend solar electrification to local schools, health clinics, community center reading rooms, and distribute LED lighting sets to the poorest households. This project will extend daily energy security to the family level and improve conditions for more than 2,280 women and 350 children, particularly in the health and education dimensions of their lives.