WFP Celebrates 20 Women Solar Engineers Graduating From Barefoot Women Solar Training College

A momentous graduation ceremony took place at the esteemed Barefoot Women Solar Training College in Konta Line, on the outskirts of Freetown, on Monday, 31st July 2023. The event was filled with enthusiasm as 20 women solar technicians from Falaba district successfully completed an intensive course, marking a significant milestone in promoting sustainable energy, women empowerment, and agricultural development in rural communities.

Distinguished guests, including the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Sierra Leone, a representative of the UN Resident Coordinator, and the Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), graced the occasion, underscoring the importance of this initiative.

The Barefoot Solar Training College has earned acclaim for its dedication to empowering women through skills training, with a special focus on solar engineering. The graduates are now equipped to repair and maintain solar water points, benefiting 300 herder households in Sierra Leone and Faranah Prefecture in Guinea. This innovative endeavour, generously funded by the Peace Building Fund, will also introduce improved species of grass to enhance cattle nourishment, especially during the dry season in the Falaba district and Faranah Prefecture.

By mitigating conflicts over scarce resources, the water points and improved grass aim to foster social cohesion between cattle herders and farmers in both countries, encouraging herders to keep their cattle within ranches and avoiding conflicts with crop farmers.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has been actively involved in supporting the agriculture sector in Falaba district, assisting farming groups along the entire value chain of cultivation, processing, and marketing of diverse crops. Since 2021, WFP, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration and Talking Drums Studios, has been implementing a cross-border Peace Building project, strengthening cooperation between Sierra Leone and Guinea in various areas, including social cohesion, agriculture, and border management.

At the graduation ceremony, Ms Yvonne Forsen, Country Director of the World Food Programme, stressed the pivotal role of women in preserving the livelihoods of crop farmers and cattle herders and in fostering peace. Through a participatory process, 20 women from five communities in the Falaba district were carefully selected for this empowering training.

Tenneh Koroma, a graduate hailing from Walia village, beamed with gratitude as she held her well-earned certificate and tool kits. She expressed confidence and excitement, recognizing that these skills would not only secure her livelihood but also enable her to actively contribute to peace-building efforts in her community. Another graduate, Iye Janneh, shared how the experience had been life-changing for her. Although she was born in Sierra Leone, having lived near the Guinean border, she admits to knowing more about Guinea than her homeland. Thanks to this empowering experience, she now feels deeply connected and rooted in her native country.

Simity Samura, another proud graduate, acknowledged how this training had transformed her knowledge of plumbing and solar pumps, equipping her with the expertise and confidence to proficiently address any issues that may arise on the ranches.

Haja Nancy Kanu, the inspiring director of the Barefoot Women Training College, despite being illiterate, passionately leads the effort to train women who can contribute to rural electrification and clean energy solutions.

This graduation ceremony stands as a testament to the potential for positive change when knowledge and opportunities are extended to women in society. The dedication of the Barefoot Women Solar Training College, combined with support from various organizations, heralds a brighter and more harmonious future for both Sierra Leone and Guinea. These 20 women solar technicians are poised to make a meaningful impact in their communities, driving sustainable energy solutions and empowering households in rural areas. The celebration of their achievements represents a crucial step towards creating a better and more inclusive society.