Our renewable energy graduates are installing solar systems in rural villages, bringing electricity to homes and schools for the first time.

Access to electricity transforms lives. It allows children to study at night, businesses to operate after dark, and clinics to store vaccines. Yet many rural communities in Malawi still lack access to reliable power.

That's why we're proud of our renewable energy graduates, who are taking their skills to rural areas and bringing light to communities that need it most.

The Training Program

Our 3-month renewable energy program teaches students to install and maintain solar power systems. They learn about solar panels, batteries, inverters, and wiring. But more importantly, they learn how to bring power to off-grid communities.

"We don't just teach technical skills," says David Chibwana, our renewable energy instructor. "We teach our students to think about how energy can transform communities. They graduate not just as technicians, but as agents of change."

Taking Skills to the Villages

After graduation, many of our students return to their home villages to start businesses installing solar systems. Some work with NGOs on rural electrification projects. Others start small companies selling and installing solar home systems.

One such graduate is Peter Mwale, who completed our program in 2024 and returned to his village in Dedza district.

"When I went back home, most families were using kerosene lamps for light. It was expensive, dangerous, and gave poor light. Children couldn't study at night. I knew solar could change that."

Impact in Dedza

Peter started by installing systems for his own family and neighbors. Word spread, and soon he had requests from across the district. Today, his business has installed solar systems in over 200 homes, 5 schools, and 2 health clinics.

"The best part is seeing children studying at night," Peter shares. "Teachers tell me that grades have improved since students can do homework after dark. The clinic can now keep vaccines cold and deliver babies at night with proper lighting. This is why I do this work."

Training Others

Peter hasn't stopped there. He's trained 10 other young people from his district in basic solar installation, creating jobs and multiplying his impact.

"I remember how my life changed when I learned these skills. Now I want to give that opportunity to others. Together, we're bringing light to the whole district."

Scaling the Impact

Peter's story is just one example of how our renewable energy program is creating ripples of change across Malawi. Other graduates are working in similar ways in their own communities.

We're now exploring partnerships with organizations working on rural electrification to connect our graduates with even more opportunities. If your organization is interested in partnering, please contact us.

The Power of Skills

Peter's journey from student to change-maker illustrates the power of skills training. It's not just about individual transformation—it's about creating people who can transform entire communities.

"Every time I see a village lit up at night, I feel proud," Peter says. "Proud of what I learned, proud of what I've done, and proud of what my students are now doing. This is just the beginning."