Women drilled in solar installation

At least 16 women from Kaulambwe in Traditional Authority (T/A) Fukamalaza in Nkhata Bay District have become the first group to graduate in a Solar Photovoltaic Installation Informal Training programme.

The women enrolled in 2019 and completed the nine-month course in solar installation and entrepreneurship last December.

As part of their internship, they installed power to a health centre, primary school and 500 houses in the area.

Speaking on Monday during their graduation, Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education Training Authority (Teveta) director of training programmes Modesto Gomani said the programme empowered women to venture into solar installation business.

“The majority of people in the country live in rural areas where access to electricity is very low. Government is trying its best to ensure that a larger population has access to power. This training is one way of reaching out people with power.”

The trainees’ representative Nester Mhone said they earn K11 500 when they install power   to people’s homes.

She said they have realised K5 million since they started installing solar power to people’s homes.

“The skills have empowered us economically as previously we used to depend on our husbands,” she said.

On his part, T/A Fukamalaza said he was proud of the women’s hard-working spirit and achievement.

“Kaulambwe area is not connected to the national grid, but the women’s skills have ensured many houses, including a primary school and a health centre, have solar power,” he said.

With support from Teveta, Zayed Solar Academy trained the women and developed a new skills training and financial empowerment model for making solar home systems accessible to the ultra-poor.