Background
My name is Dani and I lived in Timor-Leste for two years. Unlike many, I did not stay in a hotel or stay in a comfortable home. Instead, I lived amongst the people. I learnt their language, their culture, ate what they are, drank what they drink, slept where they slept and endured the illnesses they endured. This is why I started the social enterprise Alliance Australia. Our ultimate goal is the grow with the people of Timor-Leste. We will increase employment and develop areas such as energy, agriculture, water and sanitation, health, education and economic empowerment.
The Problem
However, with basic infrastructure of the nation is still undergoing development and many have taken advantage of this situation, building their own wealth while forgetting the very reason of how the nation became the way it is now.
What are we doing about it?
The basic and first stage needed is simply reliable energy supply which is still lacking even after investing millions of dollars into the infrastructure by the government. Energy development means better systems are put in place, hospitals operate reliably and educational institutions can complete their curriculum effectively, water and sanitation improves and people can build a better lives for themselves.
We are going to provide solar power systems to households free of charge but to ensure long term sustainability, employment and maintenance is consistent, the household will pay for the electricity developed by the system but at a lower rate than what is offered by the government.
This does what exactly, well, it does this:
– Provides reliable electricity supply
– Reduces energy costs for a household
– Gives a family the ability to maintain communication devices and use them effectively
– Improves health clinic operation with almost no power black outs
– Education institutions can operate effectively
– Water pumps can be installed to provide water to a home or farming
– Extend work hours with reliable lighting for many young adults allowing them to increase family incomes
The outcome is a base set for families to grow upon. Furthermore, the revenue made through the power usage will be reinvested to ensure more homes are offered the same opportunities and increase employment for newly trained graduates who will inevitably continue the work we started.
So how much funding are we talking about?
Well, we would like to raise $20,000, which will be used to purchase solar panels, solar charge controllers, electrical cables and inverters. All that is needed to make 100 solar systems work. With this base funding, the idea and use of such renewable energy systems will grow building a better life for many generations to come.
The funds will then also provide training and employment opportunities for Timorese people to maintain the systems in the areas installed bringing economic empowerment with the increased sustainable energy supply.
We are excited to provide a practical and real solution to a real problem. We hope you are too and assist us in developing a neglected nation and its people.