Published on
31 July 2024

Located north of Yaoundé, in the heart of Cameroon, the Nkometou Girls’ Home, established by the congregation of the Soeurs de St. Paul de Chartres, is a symbol of hope and transformation. The Home offers free accommodation to young girls from rural areas so that they can attend a nearby high school. Without this home, they would not have the opportunity to pursue their education.



However, the area is often plunged into darkness without warning due to prolonged power cuts that can last for days. The girls were forced to use gas lamps that provided little light and were costly and dangerous, jeopardizing their studies and endangering their lives. It was against this backdrop, and to respond to this challenge, that the project to install solar power at the Home came about.

An essential resource for the wellbeing and the full integral development of each person, electricity unfortunately remains inaccessible for millions of people around the world. This energy insecurity particularly affects women and girls in developing countries and amplifies gender disparities by creating additional obstacles for women. It limits their economic prospects and exposes them to greater health risks, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and inequality.

 

 

 


Thanks to the solar panels, we have been lucky enough to have a freezer that allows us to preserve food. And we can even study at night!


This project joins other initiatives financed by the Foundation in 2020 and 2021, such as the drilling of a well and the purchase of furniture for the Home. All in all, it provides an environment conducive to learning and development for these young women, some of whom have even gone on to study at university.



This project is brightening lives and reminds every young woman in the community that education and empowerment can shine thanks to the commitment of those who dare to dream of a better world. Investing in this energy transition is crucial to achieving gender equality and combatting energy insecurity, paving the way to a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

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