Sponsor a Battery
Replacement Batteries for the community telecenter photo-voltaic (solar energy) system in Suruacá
Help us assist Suruacá replace two defective batteries (out of a bank of 14 batteries) for their telecenter's photo-voltaic system. The telecenter is a key tool for our engagement with the community, however the premature failure of these batteries is compromising their ability to participate in CEN's programs.
Most adults work during the days - whether it be in the fields, fishing, teaching or another job - and so are only able to meet for the English class, say, or to participate in the Certificate for Teacher’s Mastery (“CTM”) class after dark. With the batteries not working, there often isn't enough power to operate the lights and the computers, which are needed to hold the class.
The community will also make a significant cash contribution towards the purchase of the batteries. They are raising this money a variety of ways, including selling food during their festivals and charging fees for using the telecenter for some activities. It's quite a challenge for them to come up with this amount of cash, but they feel very strongly that this is an important investment they need in order to enable many other activities for which they've worked so hard. Your contribution will help their investment go much further!
| Update: As of December 2007, the
situation with Suruacá’s telecenter is worsening. The
center is now unable to operate for more than a few hours each day,
which has severely interfered with our ability to advise and mentor
members of the community, as well as the ability of the school children
to use the center for their school work.
 As
of early December, we have recieved donations to cover about 1/2
of one battery. Shopping for the person who already has everything this
holiday? Give the gift of empowerment by sponsoring a share of a solar battery in their name! |
Please contact Robert Bortner if you have any specific questions on the center or the system.
You can make donations through Paypal in a few easy steps. You do not need a paypal account to make this donation. Each share is $47.50.
Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent of US law.