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LIGHT UP THE WORLD
Spring Update
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We hope you're enjoying a great start to Spring.
We were back in Costa Rica during the 1st quarter of 2015 to evaluate a project that started back in 2008. Read below to find out more about what we saw and heard from some families that have been living off-grid with solar for six years! We've been busy planning more projects in the Andes in Peru, Guatemala and Costa Rica. We've also been working on exciting ways to get more people like you out to the field to be part of our projects. If you'd like to learn more about domestic and international volunteering opportunities with LUTW you should join us at the Bank and Baron in Calgary on May 7th for a fun Volunteer Social. The event is open to all past, present and future volunteers. Read below to learn more and RSVP.
Be sure to read on, we have lots of great events and volunteer opportunities listed below. Also, don't forget to save the date for our 2015 AGM and Reception at the Lougheed House June 4th, 2015 or register now to save your spot.
Thank you again for your support!
The LUTW Team |
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Solar Training Opportunities
May 9th - this workshop is now FULL
July 18th - 2 spots left!
Want to learn how to design, install and maintain off-grid solar systems? Join us for our Solar 101 workshop in Calgary. The workshop will cover the very basics of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology with a particular focus small-scale, off-grid systems similar to those that LUTW designs and installs in remote communities. The workshop fee is $45 and $25 for students. Materials will be provided and all proceeds go to support LUTW's programs.
Click here for more information.
September 26th - October 4th 2015
Learn how to install basic low-voltage off-grid solar PV systems on your own by taking part in the off-grid solar PV training field course in the Peruvian Andes. This intensive training program includes a mix of classroom, practical hands-on exercises and site visits to evaluate existing installations. The program culminates with an off-grid solar electric system installation in a rural community building.
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Volunteer Opportunities
Be a solar volunteer in Peru installing solar home systems in a remote community in the Andes. Volunteers will be helping families gain access to basic electricity renewable energy in some of the most remote and underserved parts of Peru. Volunteers will learn about solar energy projects and receive basic solar training, no experience is necessary. This is a unique and rewarding experience for anyone interested in sustainability and community development.
Click here for more information
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Costa Rica Project Update
This February LUTW and eight volunteers traveled to Talamanca, Costa Rica to evaluate the solar project implemented by ACEM. During the evaluation we visited the homes of 28 solar system owners that had been using systems for 4-6 years. We heard from the many families about how valuable the systems have been to them because they help them save money and be more active in the evenings and early mornings. We also encountered a few challenges with systems particularly related to maintenance, which we are now able to work to address with our local partner. This highlights why monitoring and evaluation is such a critical part of long-term project sustainability. Thank you again to all the volunteers that took part. |
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Meet the newest member of our team: Milagros del Carmen Huaman Zuniga!
Working out of our regional office in Peru, Milagros joined LUTW in January 2015 in the role of Field Coordinator. Milagros brings
many years of experience working in rural, underdeveloped communities in the Andean regions of Peru. Milagros plays a key role in providing local project coordination and represents LUTW in community outreach. We're very happy to have her on board, welcome Milagros!
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4 EASY WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
LUTW is often approached by generous individuals who would like to help us achieve our mission, so we've come up with three easy ways we could use your help:
Help keep the lights on - we rely on monthly supporters to fund ongoing training and support for local technicians.
Save yourself some money, support sustainable power, and by using our referral code, the monthly electrical fee will be donated to LUTW.
3. Spread the word
Please Tell your friends about us and share our posts with your social networks!
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UPCOMING EVENTS
May 7, 2015
Calgary, AB
April 22, 2015
June 4, 2015
Edmonton, AB
July 18, 2015
Calgary, AB
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Other great ways to support our projects:
SPARK is an electricity provider in Alberta. If you switch to SPARK, the monthly electrical administration fee will be donated to LUTW! Be sure to enter the LUTW referral code (LUTWRS) when registering.
Click here to learn more
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