African Millenium Foundation along with Neal Baer envisioned the Apron Project in Mozambique. For readers who have not read the archives, here is a two line recap. Many of you recollect that I was asked my Neal Baer and Malena Ruth from AMF to conduct research in solar technology in India. My google research led me to Deepak and Shirin Gadhia about whom I have written in my past postings. Both Deepak and Shirin visited U.S.A twice last year and have finally become partners in implementing the Apron Project. I along with Malena and Lacey wrote a grant to fund the Apron project. The grant has been funded by several individuals and organizations.
AMF has built viable relationships with both foundations and individuals that are committed to the long-term success of the Apron Project. The Jeanie C. Linders Fund one of the major funding organization has made it possible for continued fundraising efforts that to lead to new partnerships. Author Cornelia Funke has donated to the program and will be leading a fundraising event at her home this fall. A donations from David Andrele was collected for the project at an event held at the Los Angeles home of Erwin Moore in May. The Gamma Lambda chapter of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International supported the project through a donation.
The Apron project involves donating solar ovens to the women (for the pilot project 10 women have been selected). Along with the solar cooker, the pilot group will receive micro-loans to start small businesses associated with their new cooker. Each woman will receive $350 to buy supplies and start a small enterprise. Training, with best local practices in mind, will be provided to the women on how they can utilize their cookers with their business. This initiative will be overseen by Reencontro’s established micro credit program with weekly meetings to share best practices and explore potential setbacks. AMF will provide $1,000 worth of supplies to start the program including pans, cooking supplies, etc.
The project was supposed to begin this June, however due to my surgery, health and several other logistic issues, the Apron project will not be implemented in Fall 2010. If my health permits I sure will go to Mozambique to conduct the evaluation of the project.
For now I am posting this update from Thailand. More on my last 10 days in Thailand in my next post.
(Again: Pardon my typos and spelling mistakes).
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