I'm incredibly excited to have gotten our service projects! My group is working with Egoli engineering. It makes the wait so much more exciting because there's something even bigger to look forward too now! Our job is to bring electricity to the rest of the township (3/4) who currently do not have electricity. Not having electricity is more than just not having any light; we have to think of the health implications that come with this problem as well. I'm very excited that this will bring tie in with public health as well. Currently Egoli engineering is providing portable electrical batteries to 1/4 of the township.
I found an article over the problem of electricity Africa faces and how the United States is trying to help. It focuses on the continent as a whole and the plans on providing at least 500 million Africans electricity by 2020, which technically isn't that far away when thinking about a problem this big. This article explains how not having electricity really takes a toll. The access to electricity simply would change everyone's life for the better.
http://www.mediaclubsouthafrica.com/economy/3855-electrify-africa-bringing-light-to-the-dark-continent
I'm really excited to be working with you for this project! I like how your article shows the public health and developmental significance behind our project. Unhealthy alternatives can be halted, and people's lifestyles can vastly improve. I'm glad that there is such a large scale initiative to power Africa.
ReplyDeleteHi, fellow team member! I agree with the fact that knowing our projects makes the trip feel that much closer (which it is!).
ReplyDeleteThe article you posted provides such comprehensive information about the current state of electricity on the African continent and efforts to improve it. I especially like the map provided; those graphics (that display light - and lack of it) are so powerful. Also, the statistic that seven out of 10 Africans are living without electricity is mind-boggling.
Thanks for sharing, Elisa.