Thursday, December 22, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
November '11 Newsletter
The GlobalLight Projects team has been busy planning for our 2012 project. The recognition and encouragement we have received from having completed our second solar installation this past summer are pointing us in new directions. There is the possibility of electrifying a third school if sufficient funds can be raised. We are also seriously looking at continuing to build up the educational capacity of the two schools we have worked on because the point of what we are doing is not simply to provide electricity but to help more children get into secondary school and therefore have a better chance of being community leaders and making a difference in their own world. We're not ready to announce details yet, but we are working and we are excited!
You can see additional pictures of this year's work, along with some background material here.
We are so grateful to all those who have helped GlobalLight Projects get this far. You have made a difference. We would be so pleased for you to join us in the 2012 project. Some folks have decided to give the gift of light - we would be happy to send you a card to give to someone indicating you have made a gift in their honour. Just email us at the link below. Gifts may be made online or by mailing a cheque made out to Royal View Church with the notation GlobalLight Projects to Wayde Foss, 4 McManus Pl., London, ON N5V 4X2. Donations over $10 will receive a tax deductible receipt. Thank you!
You can see additional pictures of this year's work, along with some background material here.
We are so grateful to all those who have helped GlobalLight Projects get this far. You have made a difference. We would be so pleased for you to join us in the 2012 project. Some folks have decided to give the gift of light - we would be happy to send you a card to give to someone indicating you have made a gift in their honour. Just email us at the link below. Gifts may be made online or by mailing a cheque made out to Royal View Church with the notation GlobalLight Projects to Wayde Foss, 4 McManus Pl., London, ON N5V 4X2. Donations over $10 will receive a tax deductible receipt. Thank you!
If you have a question or comment Contact us.
We can throw stones, complain about them, stumble on them, climb over them, or build with them.
~William Arthur Ward
Your GlobalLIght Projects Team~William Arthur Ward
Thomas, Wayde, Peter, Marilyn & Doug
Thursday, September 29, 2011
September '11 Newsletter
Two for Two! From August 22 to Sept 13, Thomas was in Zambia installing GlobalLight Projects' second solar installation, this time in the village of Kasaka. The equipment level was similar to what we put in last year in Chona village, with some refinements due to what we've learned. The people were so pleased and they also participated, carrying the expense and labour of chiseling the wire conduit into the stone walls. Everything went along well and this time Thomas was able to finish in good time and do some scouting for a future installation.
In the picture, Thomas is enjoying the view and his work with the solar collectors.
Thomas also carried with him two video projectors, one for each school and a laptop computer for Kasaka so that the electricity can be used to benefit the children's
All this was possible because of the generous support of so many friends. To all those who gave, Thank you! Every gift, no matter the size was important and we appreciate everyone who trusted us to do what we said. Every dollar given went directly to the project. We especially want to acknowledge several special partners who made particularly notable contributions: Mary Immaculate Catholic Church whose support put us over the top to make this project possible; Royal View Church for adopting us and donating, too; Lambton College where Thomas is a student for donating the laptop and a projector, Matantala for once again facilitating the work in Zambia, and Thomas' family in Zambia who gave selflessly to make up what we lacked.
So now we are back to the beginning. Our bank account is empty and we're starting over again to raise funds and develop partners so that we can once again use simple technology to improve the lives of people in the developing world. We'll keep you informed as the plans come together. Of course, we welcome your continuing support (a solar system in Africa makes a great Christmas present, don't you think, for those who have 'everything').
In the picture, Thomas is enjoying the view and his work with the solar collectors.
Thomas also carried with him two video projectors, one for each school and a laptop computer for Kasaka so that the electricity can be used to benefit the children's
All this was possible because of the generous support of so many friends. To all those who gave, Thank you! Every gift, no matter the size was important and we appreciate everyone who trusted us to do what we said. Every dollar given went directly to the project. We especially want to acknowledge several special partners who made particularly notable contributions: Mary Immaculate Catholic Church whose support put us over the top to make this project possible; Royal View Church for adopting us and donating, too; Lambton College where Thomas is a student for donating the laptop and a projector, Matantala for once again facilitating the work in Zambia, and Thomas' family in Zambia who gave selflessly to make up what we lacked.
So now we are back to the beginning. Our bank account is empty and we're starting over again to raise funds and develop partners so that we can once again use simple technology to improve the lives of people in the developing world. We'll keep you informed as the plans come together. Of course, we welcome your continuing support (a solar system in Africa makes a great Christmas present, don't you think, for those who have 'everything').
If you have a question or comment Contact us.
Success is the good fortune that comes from aspiration, desperation, perspiration and inspiration.
~Evan Esar
Your GlobalLight Projects Team
Thomas, Wayde, Doug, Marilyn & Peter
Friday, July 15, 2011
July '11 Newsletter
In just over a month, Thomas will be returning to Zambia for this year's project. As we announced in the last newsletter, the purposes of this year's trip are to (1) install additional equipment at the Chona site, (2) provide training to the teachers in how to use the computers that we donated to enhance the students' educational experience and (3) to lay the groundwork for another installation.
We still intend to do all those things, but in consultation with Matantala, our Zambian development partner, the opportunity has presented itself to do a new installation in another village. Kasaka Basic School is near Chona in the Southern province of Zambia. The school has recently been refurbished by Matantala, but the village is well off the electrical grid. It would be great to provide the finishing touch by providing solar power. What a difference that makes!
To do this installation is quite a stretch from our original plans and we need additional funds to do it properly. Realistically, we need $3000 more than we presently have on hand. We are letting our friends know of the need, but more importantly, the opportunity to invest in the future of an African village that sadly, until now, most of the world has passed by.
It will be a full trip. We intend to install a video projector in Chona and provide educational videos to enhance the learning environment. Image what it will be like and the educational advantage it will give to see some of the great documentaries of our world that we all simply take for granted! And, as we noted previously, Thomas will be scouting out Mwanangonze village, west of Monze (the main town near Chona) for the purpose of a future installation in cooperation with our good friend Mabby Mwanangonze (Mabby will be raising funds for this project, so if some of the fundraising takes place near you, be sure to get involved).
We are so grateful to all those who have helped GlobalLight Projects get this far. But there is so much more to do. If you can help with this summer's project, we can assure you that all your funds will go directly to the Kasaka installation and change the future of an Zambian village. Funds need to be here by August 12 so that Thomas can take them with him. Gifts may be made online or by mailing a cheque made out to Royal View Church with the notation GlobalLight Projects to Wayde Foss, 4 McManus Pl., London, ON N5V 4X2. Donations over $10 will receive a tax deductible receipt. Thank you!
We still intend to do all those things, but in consultation with Matantala, our Zambian development partner, the opportunity has presented itself to do a new installation in another village. Kasaka Basic School is near Chona in the Southern province of Zambia. The school has recently been refurbished by Matantala, but the village is well off the electrical grid. It would be great to provide the finishing touch by providing solar power. What a difference that makes!
To do this installation is quite a stretch from our original plans and we need additional funds to do it properly. Realistically, we need $3000 more than we presently have on hand. We are letting our friends know of the need, but more importantly, the opportunity to invest in the future of an African village that sadly, until now, most of the world has passed by.
It will be a full trip. We intend to install a video projector in Chona and provide educational videos to enhance the learning environment. Image what it will be like and the educational advantage it will give to see some of the great documentaries of our world that we all simply take for granted! And, as we noted previously, Thomas will be scouting out Mwanangonze village, west of Monze (the main town near Chona) for the purpose of a future installation in cooperation with our good friend Mabby Mwanangonze (Mabby will be raising funds for this project, so if some of the fundraising takes place near you, be sure to get involved).
We are so grateful to all those who have helped GlobalLight Projects get this far. But there is so much more to do. If you can help with this summer's project, we can assure you that all your funds will go directly to the Kasaka installation and change the future of an Zambian village. Funds need to be here by August 12 so that Thomas can take them with him. Gifts may be made online or by mailing a cheque made out to Royal View Church with the notation GlobalLight Projects to Wayde Foss, 4 McManus Pl., London, ON N5V 4X2. Donations over $10 will receive a tax deductible receipt. Thank you!
If you have a question or comment Contact us.
A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.
~Francis Bacon
Your GlobalLIght Projects Team~Francis Bacon
Thomas, Wayde, Peter, Marilyn & Doug
Saturday, June 18, 2011
June '11 Newsletter
The GlobalLight Projects team (Thomas, Wayde, Doug, Marilyn and Peter) have been raising funds and exploring possibilities for projects in other areas. Since we announced the completion of the first phase of the Chona installation last summer there have been several inquires, both in Zambia and elsewhere.
Back to Zambia!
We are pleased to announce that Thomas will be returning to Zambia in mid-August. The purposes of this trip are to (1) install additional equipment at the Chona site, (2) provide training to the teachers in how to use the computers that we donated to enhance the students' educational experience and (3) to lay the groundwork for another installation.
In particular, Thomas intends to visit Mwanangonze village, also in southeast Zambia. This is the ancestral village of another Zambian-Canadian, Mabby Mwanangonze. Mabby has already raised funds to help with this summer's Chona project and intends to raise the funds for this new project. We are pleased to find others who are willing to work together with us to better the lives and educational outcomes of families in the developing world.
We are pleased to announce that Thomas will be returning to Zambia in mid-August. The purposes of this trip are to (1) install additional equipment at the Chona site, (2) provide training to the teachers in how to use the computers that we donated to enhance the students' educational experience and (3) to lay the groundwork for another installation.
In particular, Thomas intends to visit Mwanangonze village, also in southeast Zambia. This is the ancestral village of another Zambian-Canadian, Mabby Mwanangonze. Mabby has already raised funds to help with this summer's Chona project and intends to raise the funds for this new project. We are pleased to find others who are willing to work together with us to better the lives and educational outcomes of families in the developing world.
Getting the Word Out
We've had several occasions to present GlobalLight Projects to a wider public, including the Sarnia Arkwalk and the Green Energy, Agriculture and Bio-science Career Fair.
Thomas was recently featured in an article in The London Free Press focusing on his background, the vision for GlobalLight Projects and his appointment to the Mayor's Council on Sustainable Energy.
You Can Help
As we put together the final details of this summer's project, we can use your help! Your financial contribution will help Thomas have a successful trip. We need funds for Thomas' expenses while in Zambia and for supplies for the school. Gifts may be made online or by mailing a cheque made out to Royal View Church with the notation GlobalLight Projects to Wayde Foss, 4 McManus Pl., London, ON N5V 4X2. Donations over $10 will receive a tax deductible receipt. Thank you!
Thomas, Wayde, Peter, Marilyn & Doug
As we put together the final details of this summer's project, we can use your help! Your financial contribution will help Thomas have a successful trip. We need funds for Thomas' expenses while in Zambia and for supplies for the school. Gifts may be made online or by mailing a cheque made out to Royal View Church with the notation GlobalLight Projects to Wayde Foss, 4 McManus Pl., London, ON N5V 4X2. Donations over $10 will receive a tax deductible receipt. Thank you!
If you have a question or comment Contact us.
Do not follow where the path may lead.
Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
~ Harold R. McAlindon
Your GlobalLIght Projects TeamGo instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
~ Harold R. McAlindon
Thomas, Wayde, Peter, Marilyn & Doug
Saturday, February 26, 2011
February ‘11 Newsletter
 | ||
| The new Chona classrooms - finished! |
In the spring of 2010, GlobalLight Projects informed our Zambian development partner, Matantala, that we were prepared to install a solar electric system on the main school building in Chona. We had just enough money for Thomas to fly there, purchase the equipment and install it all on the 3 room block housing the principal’s office. When he arrived in late August, he found a new, much larger building under construction. Building material had been supplied through Matantala and the local community was responsible to provide the labour.
Progress was leisurely until Thomas actually arrived - the walls were not all up yet. As well, the new building has 9 rooms so it was bigger than our budget. But Matantala helped with some of the installation costs and the community got busy, working day and night with the help of a generator (something of a first for rural Africa) and on the final day of Thomas’ stay, he threw the switch, the lights came on for the first time in the Chona school and everyone celebrated. Subsequently the building was plastered and painted. Not only is the new school building beautiful, it is a game-changer: rural schools can have modern amenities and educational tools.
Progress was leisurely until Thomas actually arrived - the walls were not all up yet. As well, the new building has 9 rooms so it was bigger than our budget. But Matantala helped with some of the installation costs and the community got busy, working day and night with the help of a generator (something of a first for rural Africa) and on the final day of Thomas’ stay, he threw the switch, the lights came on for the first time in the Chona school and everyone celebrated. Subsequently the building was plastered and painted. Not only is the new school building beautiful, it is a game-changer: rural schools can have modern amenities and educational tools.
Since September, we have had several meetings where we reported to our supporters and those who contributed on what we have done. We wanted to be sure that everyone knew that we actually accomplished at least the first part of our vision of using simple technology to improve the lives of people in the developing world. Many of the people who contributed to our first project, upon hearing the report, have given again to the next phase. That is so encouraging! Others have been interested, too. You can listen to an interview of Thomas and Doug on ZambiaBlog Talk Radio (an audio stream - there is an ad and then a minute of music before the interview). Or, you can read a brief report in the Lambton College paper (where Thomas is studying alternative energy).
We are also pleased to announce that Thomas has been appointed by the Mayor of London to the Mayor’s Sustainable Energy Council. Although we did not foresee that our passion and expertise would be sought here, we are excited about the opportunity to contribute and make new friends and contacts. Meanwhile, we are planning the next phase for the Chona school, looking for educational software with which to train the Chona teachers and raising funds. There are a couple of exciting things in the works, which we hope to announce soon.
Again we want to thank you for your interest and support. If you would like us to come to share our experience in installing the Chona project, we would be happy to do so. If you would like to help us do the next phase of electrification at the Chona school, you can donate online.
We are also pleased to announce that Thomas has been appointed by the Mayor of London to the Mayor’s Sustainable Energy Council. Although we did not foresee that our passion and expertise would be sought here, we are excited about the opportunity to contribute and make new friends and contacts. Meanwhile, we are planning the next phase for the Chona school, looking for educational software with which to train the Chona teachers and raising funds. There are a couple of exciting things in the works, which we hope to announce soon.
Again we want to thank you for your interest and support. If you would like us to come to share our experience in installing the Chona project, we would be happy to do so. If you would like to help us do the next phase of electrification at the Chona school, you can donate online.
If you have a question or comment Contact us.
Thomas, Wayde, Peter, Marilyn & Doug
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- exists to help the people in the developing world by applications of simple technology