Thank You...and one week to the beautiful return...

I am in between.

One week ago I was running around frantically finalizing logistics for SunPower Afrique's benefit event. One week from now I will be on my way back to West Africa, greeting l'Harmattan, my FECECAV family and a so-close-to-the-pilot-project-we-can-taste-it excitement in Kpalime.

As I have noted before, it is strange to coexist in these two worlds, both working towards the same goal and equally critical spaces of influence, productivity and resources. Today, on December 11th, 2009, I am directly in the middle :)

I'm so lucky.

While I am taking this trip over the holidays to relax, take some deep breaths and revel in the African pace of life and work (18Dec - 3Jan) I will of course be busy while on the ground...everything is easier to accomplish face-to-face, without exorbitantly expensive phone calls and crackling connections, without language barriers and borders...

I will update kirawithoutborders while I am away, as per tradition. Thank you so much to everyone who attended our benefit last week, it was special to be surrounded and supported by such a wonderful group of people helping to make this all happen. Special thanks to my volunteers - without you the Celebration would not have been possible.

We are moving closer to the first Solar Loans and FECECAV's solar system...the word is OUT! SunPower Afrique is making moves. 2010 will be a big year.

Celebration of Solar Energy & Microfinance Changing Lives - TOMORROW NIGHT!

Read the write-up from today's Main Line Times:
http://www.mainlinemedianews.com/articles/2009/12/04/main_line_times/life/doc4b1753dd7f40a131277600.txt



















Hope to see you there!
Kira

Help SunPower Afrique Win $$ on Facebook!

You're Invited! To SunPower Afrique's First Annual Celebration of Solar Energy and Microfinance Changing Lives - Dec. 4, 2009 7-10PM

Click here to view the full invite!

You're Invited TO A CELEBRATION OF SOLAR ENERGY AND MICROFINANCE CHANGING LIVES Friday, December 4, 2009 7-10 PM The Shipley School 814 Yarrow Street - Bryn Mawr, PA Click here for directions Silent art auction West African drumming & dancing Raffle giveaways

Tickets $25 ($10 with student ID) - raffle ticket included

To purchase tickets: events@sunpowerafrique.org. Walk-ins welcome

SunPower Afrique is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit with a mission to reduce poverty in West Africa by connecting microfinance institutions and small businesses to solar energy. www.sunpowerafrique.org

First Annual SunPower Afrique Benefit Event: December 4th, 7-10PM

To raise funds for our pilot project, still slated for March 2010 (after Togolese elections in January), we are organizing a benefit event in the Philadelphia area on December 4th from 7-10PM.

We will be putting on a silent auction, featuring the work of local, established artists, including several works by Mary and John Costanza.

The event will also be a celebration of West African culture, with a drumming and dance troupe, food and drink, and raffle giveaways.

Save the date and stay tuned for details!

If you have ideas or would like to help out with planning, please contact kira.costanza@sunpowerafrique.org

Kira to speak at PA Renewable Energy Fest this Friday

Hi Everyone -

Just a quick announcement that I will be speaking about SunPower Afrique at the PA Renewable Energy Festival in Kempton, PA this Friday at 9AM. While I know the timing for this is tough, if you're in the area please do come by!

For more information on the festival, speakers, directions, etc. please visit the festival's website at www.paenergyfest.com SunPower Builders/SunPower Solar will have a booth there all weekend as well.

If you can't make it, please pass the message along to someone else who might.

Thanks!
Kira
www.sunpowerafrique.org

Photos - August 2009 - Togo

SunPower Afrique - Togo - August 2009