Barefoot College International (BCI) was founded to address the needs of remote and marginalized communities in the Global South. The organization trains rurally impoverished women as solar engineers, educators, and entrepreneurs, empowering them to achieve self-sufficient development. BCI collaborates with communities, democratically selects women for training, and supports communities in building necessary structures for the women to begin solar electrification. The impact of BCI's programs includes a significant reduction in fossil fuel use, ocular and respiratory illnesses, increased educational attainment, and household income.
The organization's solar engineering program focuses on training women first due to their marginalized status in these communities and the lack of educational opportunities for women. The women are trained for 3-4 months in building, installing, and maintaining solar home lighting systems. This equips them to electrify their communities in 1-2 months, creating a positive impact in a short amount of time. Women are also paid by their communities, which helps kickstart microenterprises and addresses gender inequality.
BCI has helped 2.2 million solar beneficiaries in 93 countries and is supported by cross-sectoral partnerships and individual donors. In addition to technical training, the women in BCI projects receive education in agency and leadership, financial and digital literacy, health, human rights, microenterprise formation, and livelihood skills. This holistic approach empowers women and their communities to leverage electrical access for educational and economic growth.
Livelihood modules focus on sustainable agriculture and are customized to the needs and skills of each community. BCI's goal is to help marginalized communities ethically monetize their indigenous skills and knowledge. The organization also aims to promote genuine gender equality, which has the potential to add $28 trillion to the global economy.
In conclusion, BCI's egalitarian vision for the future aims to empower women and communities to live happier, healthier, and more successful lives. The organization's impact extends to addressing climate change and contributing to 14 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through their work, BCI invites individuals to be part of their mission to help women and people worldwide.
To donate to this great organization, visit their website.
SAP SuccessFactors Learning Diversity and Inclusion Sustainability SAP Women in Tech
