The Sunray Energy Foundation is a Gambian initiative founded in 2003 by Mr.Bendict B. Njai, well successful Gambian social entrepreneur, Hans Noteboom and Lemnu Njai, who took over the presidency of the organization. The foundation aims to help the poor along the lines of UN Millennium Goals. The foundation is observing international trend towards a need for different and more efficient approach for development by joint efforts. This coincides with raising food and energy, climate change and general awareness that more efficient partnership to invest insight to donors and investor in how those funds are spend and share objective to implement The Gambia vision 2020 to alleviate poverty through development.

Located in the West African Coast, is the Republic of The Gambia. It is one of the smallest countries in Africa and has a sahelian climate condition with long dry season and with low level of rainfall. Two decade of drought condition which affected vegetation cover and food production. It is a country heavily dependent on wood as a source fuel for cooking. Gambia is blessed with enough sunlight to make solar cooking an environmental and sustainable alternative to firewood.

Our objective is to reduce morbidity and mortality in the targeted regions and to provide a healthier life style for them and hope to understand the project because of wide range of experience in solar projects and individuals with knowledge of promoting cookits and solar boxes the device used to concentrate the sun rays for heating and purifying water and cooking meals. A trained microbiologist has worked with the project on water purification. Cookit is ideal for providing a traditional meal for family of four. The project will provide trained persons in the construction of the devices and use them for cooking simple meals.

To achieve our objectives we would build partnership with the following organizations and departments:

1. Ministry of agriculture,
2. Ministy of health,
3. Dept.of forestry and environment,
4. World food program and SAFMU,
5. Dept of community development,
6. National environment agency (NEA),
7. National nutrition agency (Nana),
8. European Union,
9. State dept. of education.

Companies and NGOs with similar aims and objectives and would assist resource mobilization and conducting workshops, publicizing and transportation. The director of Sunray Energy Foundation supervises the overall operation and enlists members of the target regions in conducting workshops, disseminating the information and recruiting others for further trainings and assumes full responsibility of the project.

Sunray Energy Foundation creates awareness on solar cooking by organizing workshops, addressing interesting groups and seeking coverage by television and radio stations. Reaching new generations in schools and out of school youths. The approach is to Listen and learn from the people and develop ideas. Teach them (How to Make and Understand) the solar cooking in a 3day workshop at selected villages with stakeholders. The participation of the local authorities, chief (alikalos) and village development committees (VDCs) for approval is important. Implementing projects in schools from region 1 to 6 in collaboration with the regional offices and heads of schools.

Typically the project would begin with an overview of the solar energy and its use in cooking and purifying water. A demonstration of the devices such as K14 parabolic cooker and others will be held. Each family will construct a cookit for use and cook a traditional meal using only the energy from the sun. The project provides a Show >house of modern cooking stoves known as (Sinkereh kuto) at different types and sizes made out of local materials.

Evaluation

This exercise is carried out at all project areas involving youths and women groups who participated in the project and are asked to describe how it affect changes in their way of living with the following questions:

1. Will the use of solar cookers significantly reduce the demand on wood use for cooking? Reduce the use of fuel wood by 30-50% of annual income?
2. Will persons adapt to meals cooked at a non-traditional manner?
3. Will there be reduction in the incidence of water borne diseases?
4. Can the technology be used throughout the country?

Our evaluation would consist of oral and written questionnaires conducted by experts. The information gained would assist in changes in our presentation and help us make stronger case in future development.

Sustainability

For the project to continue Sunray Energy Foundation needs to establish a permanent staff of persons trained in the technology and theory of solar cooking to serve as resource persons and teachers as (TOT). The information and experience gained should make it easier to attract other Donors in addition the possibility of making and selling cookers could help the project to be sustainable.

Budget

Project coordinator: $3,000.00
Stipend to speakers: $150.00
6 speakers: @$25.00

Travel and Accommodations:
Allowances: $2,800.00
Domestics: $1,000.00
Meals: $1,300.00
Lodging: $2,250.00
Materials: $3,000.00
Refreshment: $700.00
Media coverage: $400.00
Administrative cost: $750.00
TOTAL COST: $20,000.00

See alsoEdit

• Rescue Mission Gambia

ContactEdit

Fajara Office
P.O,Box 2775
Serrekunda
The Gambia

Tel: (00220) 7192781

Email: sunrayfoundation@gmail.com