Substation33 & PowerWells in Vanuatu

Substation33 has had a long partnership with PowerWells and in recent months we have worked together on a project in Vanuatu, along with ActionAid, where women are being empowered to learn about and access clean and affordable energy in Lawital, Tanna. (See more information here: Strengthening women’s control and access to clean and affordable energy in Vanuatu - ActionAid Australia)

Our founder, Tony, joined Brad from PowerWells in Vanuatu last week to scope out sites where street lights and community batteries are to be installed. They were able to get a start on the work and install one of the street lights and check in on PowerWells that had been installed earlier this year. They also provided more training for the women who are installing PowerWells into the 115 homes in the village. So far 50 have been installed and it is hoped the rest will be completed in the next month. We will go back in July to get the street lights and community batteries installed as well. It’s a big project made more complex when working in a remote area where access to supplies is limited. Combine that with poor weather and roads and it becomes a logistical challenge to say the least. Flexibility, a great attitude and patience are key attributes to possess!

It is humbling to see how something as simple as a small light can bring change to the lives of these families. We heard stories of how: 

• children can now do their homework in the evenings at home, rather than stopping along the side of the road as they walk the 7.5kms home to complete it before it gets dark. 

• women can work longer in their gardens (their primary source of food) because they use the PowerWells light to cook dinner. 

• women use the light at night to weave mats and baskets to sell. 

• many women are teaching their children weaving after homework and meals are finished. 

We saw firsthand how the women who had been trained to install the PowerWells received respect and appreciation as they went into each home to install and wire up the system and lights. Their confidence around their capability and use of tools is apparent and they are eager to teach others. 

We are excited to hear the many more ways this project will improve the lives of women and their families in this remote community.