Impact Spotlight

20 Solar Tekpaks creating access to electricity for over 4000 people

Solar technician training for 16 community members

Scaleable “Train the Trainer” model

About

350.org’s Pacific Climate Warriors are a youth-led grassroots network working with communities to fight climate change in the Pacific Islands. The Climate Warriors work with organizers across 17 Pacific Island nations and diaspora communities in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States to highlight the vulnerabilities of island countries to climate change while showcasing their strength and resilience as a people.

Their vision is to show the world that true climate leadership is moving away from fossil fuels, embracing 100% community-led renewable energy, and ensuring the dignity of Pacific Islanders in a fair and just world.

Now, they’re using RE-Charge TekPaks, portable solar modules made for off-grid power allocation, to increase disaster resilience throughout the Pacific Islands. Each system can power up to three light bulbs, and has three USB ports, and an inverter for low-power AC applications. 350’s Solar Scholars training program educates communities on integrating renewable energy in disaster preparedness and emergency response, and empowers graduates to train additional members of their community.

“Our project is about ensuring our people have a way to access power in the aftermath of disasters, which are becoming more intense and destructive every year. Our ultimate goal is to liberate and empower our communities by giving them the skills and resources they need to be totally self-reliant.”

— Joseph Sikulu, Managing Director of 350 Pacfic

HF Partnership

With the Honnold Foundation’s support, 350 Pacific will train eight Solar Scholars to deploy Solar Tekpaks across 15 islands. The newly equipped scholars will train eight additional community members on solar installation and maintenance, and provide each additional trainee with Tekpaks to deploy in their own communities. Ultimately, 20 Tekpaks will be deployed, bringing electricity to over 4,000 people.