Provide electricity to 22 Colombian families

$21 — Maintenance costs per family $54 — Electronic equipment for one person $636 — Cost of bringing light to one family

Summary
This micro hydroelectric project will bring electricity and lighting to 22 indigenous families living in rural Minaflores, Colombia, an area under threat by guerillas and paramilitary.

Project Needs and Beneficiaries
The Nasa/Paez people living in Minaflores currently have no access to electicity. Electricity is a basic need that can improve health, increase communication and security, provide lighting, and allow more time for education or work activities. A community-owned micro hydro project in Minaflores will be a sustainable business in this rural village and will improve the quality of life of its citizens.

Activities
Green Empowerment will partner with APROTEC (a Colombian NGO) as well as the residents of Minaflores to provide the equipment, manpower, and training needed to build the microhydro project that will bring electricity to villagers in this remote area.

Potential Long Term Impact
Electricity and lighting will allow 110 indigenous Colombians to connect with the world beyond their isolated village, increase their security, and educate children. The micro hydro project will be a community-owned, sustainable business enterprise.

Project Message
The Nasa are determined to exercise their autonomy and right to exist, which they've fought for since the arrival of conquistadors. Having microhydro is a way to exercise their "energy autonomy."
- Mauricio Gnecco, Engineer

Project Sponsor: Green Empowerment
Theme: Economic Development | Location: Colombia
Funding to Date: $0 | Need:$70,000
Project #2128 on GlobalGiving.com