May I introduce you to the 'Empower Kenya Project'?
The Origin
This project runs in the SIFE society of the University of the West of England (UWE) and therefore its aim is to produce a positive economic, social and environmental impact. Inspired by the visit of the Kenyan Olympic team to UWE before the London Olympic Games 2012, the project was started in October 2011 by a group of undergraduate and postgraduate students from different disciplines. The energy poverty of Kenya was identified as a major problem.
The Purpose
'Empower Kenya' seeks to tackle the problems of:
- deforestation
- health issues through ashes in kitchen environments
- energy costs
through sustainable long-term commitment, and annual trips. In order to solve those problems, the main goal of the project is to empower those in need to build and maintain an anaerobic biodigester. A biodigester is a sealed tank which contains organic waste material, fermented by bacteria to methane/biogas, and fertiliser as a byproduct. It represents a simple way to produce a renewable source of energy, cleaner than the wood fuel it substitutes.
This year we are focussing on empowering Kenyans of all ages connected to the Baraka Children's Home, an orphanage near Nguu Tatu village, north of Mombasa.
The Components
The project involves two further components. First, to produce an educational software game aimed at school children, containing the knowledge gained by the project team throughout the course of the project, which will be made open-source. Second, the delivery of workshops and a booklet to provide advice on building and maintenance of the digester.
The Supporters
The project is supported by HP UK. We work together with Maji Safi Charity Projects, which builds schools in Kenya. We are joining Ashton Park School's annual trip to Kenya, where we will get help from the Kenyan Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), who will oversee the building process.
How can you help?
Funding
HP generously funded the first anaerobic biodigester. However, more funding is needed for the biodigester parts - especially those that are not available in Kenya. Students travelling costs are covered by the students themselves.
Raising Awareness
In case you are not able to support us, we kindly ask you to talk about us and the great work we are doing with your friends and family. We are also grateful for support through knowledge transfer, or service in the project.
Thank you very much for your time!
