Project Update - 20 March - Presque!

SunPower Afrique's pilot project is now slated for June 2010. In the wake of the global recession, massive budget cuts in every institution, government agency and private sector economy in the world, all non-profits have been hit exceptionally hard. SunPower Afrique's start-up status has made this even more challenging. But we are DOING THIS!

Presently and somewhat miraculously, mostly a result of aggressive and die-hard tenacity, we have raised over $25,000, which covers the training, outreach and all other costs besides the actual equipment - and we have excellent leads with some global solar companies and donors to top-off our budget in time. Our partners in Togo are READY (getting impatient actually!) and the word about SunPower Afrique continues to spread like wildfire in Kpalimé and beyond.

I want to take another opportunity to offer my sincere and indescribeable appreciation to every individual, every family, every business, every partner who has supported SunPower Afrique thus far. We have raised over $25,ooo with an average donation size of $50-100. It is truly amazing.

Jon and our training partner, who will be traveling with us to Togo in June, Ron Celentano, have designed an innovative PV system that reduces FECECAV's load significantly, not only encouraging responsible energy consumption, but also requiring a smaller system that will be grid-tied and use the solar PV as backup. More details about system design are forthcoming, including a full list of components and drawings, so that all of our donors can see exactly how their contributions are being spent. We are also developing the final curriculum for the classroom portion of our training (thank you Ron!) and I am trying to figure out how I will manage to get it all straight and translated into Français before June...

Importantly, a momentous goal has been achieved! After revising and re-revising and re-revising and re-revising (and re-revising and re-revising) SunPower Afrique's business plan, with input from dozens of retired executives, MBA students and others, all with their (always well intentioned!) opinions on how the plan should be written, and in some cases, how the mission of my project should be transformed...I have a real, legitimate, magnificent business plan. I was lucky enough to work with my, now close partner, Ayite Gaba (I wrote a previous blog about this incredible soul earlier in the month - http://kirawithoutborders.blogspot.com/2010/02/introducing-monsieur-ayite-gaba.html).

Ayite and I are now, together, soliciting development agencies and financial institutions with microlending or social investment programs for this improved, long-term and sustainable business model.

Please have a look at the new BPlan which has been uploaded to the homepage of the SunPower Afrique website: http://www.sunpowerafrique.org/PDF/Home/SunPower%20Afrique%20Bplan_FINAL_March2010.pdf

If you know anyone or have any contacts at the types of donors we are currently soliciting, please do not hesitate to send me an email at kira.costanza@sunpowerafrique.org!

In addition, SunPower Afrique has been chosen to participate in a Social Entrepreneurship course at Penn State Great Valley, where grad students will be working with Jon and I to develop effective non-profit marketing strategies and the beginnings of a real SunPower Builders - SunPower Afrique hybrid business model.

Akpe pour la patience de TOUS mes partènaires, a deux côtes de la mer, et akpe ka ka ka ka pour la confiance que vous avez mis sur les époules de SunPower Afrique. We will not let you know. Le projet arrive a trés bientot.

Miadogo looooo!

How's that for Franglewe? :)

Kira Akou Costanza
Directrice Executive

2010 Togo Election Results Coming In...

The main opposition party in Togo has claimed widespread irregularities in the country's presidential election. However...http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8553955.stm

Witholding judgement or opinion until final results, which must now be approved by Togo's electoral commission ("independant" for the first time in the country's history), are released, and, more importantly, we see how the opposition reacts. And how organized and mobilize they are on a grassroots level...most people in the capital remain indoors and nervous, but my friends in Kpalime have been surprisingly calm.

Here are some articles on the current situation. More to come.

IN-BRIEF: Vote Counting in Togo:
http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=88329

Togo Opposition Claims 'Irregularities" in Poll
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8548787.stm

Togo Police Use Tear Gas on Opposition Protesters
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8553114.stm

Disputed Vote Spawns Fears
http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=88337

Tip-Toeing Towards Reconciliation (this piece conveys both the shameless optimism I feel about Togolese development, and the confusion and anger I often feel towards stagnation and corruption...)
http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=88317

Paix Avant Tous

My thoughts will be with Togo and preoccupied for the next 24-48 hours...hoping for peace and nonviolence during Presidential Elections. I hope that as many of the Togolese population are able to vote, in safety, above all.

There appears to be an indescribable group of Togolese youth, mobilized and passionate, ready to contest a fraudulent election...truly ready to "die to extract from the ruling party's hand a victory for the opposition." And "take to the streets to reclaim victory, if the ruling power ever tries to steal this vote." I am simultaneously and uncomfortably proud and terrified. Please keep my friends safe.














Last minute election news:

Incumbent Faces Strong Challenge at Polls
http://allafrica.com/stories/201003031020.html

A Crucial Opportunity for the Country
http://allafrica.com/stories/201003030015.html

Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst
http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=88305

UN Chief Calls for Peaceful Polls

http://www0.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=33941&Cr=west+africa&Cr1=

En Francais:

(From Faure and the RPT)
http://www.republicoftogo.com/

Aujourd'hui 4 mars 2010 - Les Togolais ont rendez-vous avec leur destin

http://fr.allafrica.com/stories/201003040039.html

Fin de campagne, démonstration de forces!

http://allafrica.com/stories/201003031020.html