News from Alongside Hope
Solar Suitcases bring light to delivery rooms in Mozambique and Madagascar
It’s no secret that women give birth at any time of day – babies don’t care if the sun is out or it’s pitch dark. For families in off-grid parts of Mozambique and Madagascar, nighttime deliveries can be challenging, and even dangerous. If labouring moms-to-be don’t have access to a health clinic where there is electricity, they’re not likely to venture out.
That’s where the Solar Suitcase comes in. A solar suitcase is a bright yellow case that is mounted to the interior wall of a health clinic and connected to a solar panel on the roof. The case opens up to reveal power outlets for portable lights, a head lamp, a fetal Doppler and cell phone chargers. Medical attendants have the tools they need to support women through labour and delivery, especially at night.
This ambitious project will install 35 solar suitcases in Mozambique and 14 solar suitcases in Madagascar, bringing clean and affordable solar power to remote health clinics that do not have access to electricity. It is the focus of “Coming Alongside Hope with Light,” the second phase of a 12-month fundraising campaign, which will also include the annual Wild Ride.
Support the “Coming Alongside Hope with Light” campaign by joining this year’s Wild Ride. All gifts will be matched, up to $150,000. Learn more, give to the campaign and register to participate at alongsidehope.org/wild-ride.
Ancha Amido Abdala shows off the Solar Suitcase in her clinic. Photo: Lucinda Congolo
What is the Wild Ride?
The Wild Ride is a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign inviting you to choose any activity you like to raise funds. Walk, cycle, knit, sing hymns, sell lemonade, bake bread, etc. Be creative – the possibilities are endless. All gifts will be matched, up to $150,000.
