If I had $20,000, I would purchase solar equipment for Nyange Health Center. This health center in rural Rwanda is staffed by nurses, and provides care for 20,000 people. The nearest hospital is a three hour walk along rugged terrain.
Imagine trying to assess for distress in a newborn baby without light, or trying to protect yourself from exposure to infectious body fluids when there is no way to adequately assess the patient or your environment.
Not only would solar power provide rural Nyange with reliable and clean renewable energy, but it would also reduce their dependency on gasoline-run generators. Because we would contract with Rwandan suppliers, we will also support their local economy. The benefit to my community in Aptos, California is at least two fold:
1. Solar power reduces the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere
2. Poverty reduction anywhere in the world leads to a healthier and more stable global society.

The Ihangane Project has been working with Catapult Design, Rwandan technicians and Rwandan solar equipment vendors to establish a cost-effective bid. Engineers at Catapult Design have reviewed the work of the Rwandan technicians and equipment installers to be sure that the systems will be installed and maintained correctly. Because we are 100% volunteer-run, all of the $20,000 will go towards the cost of solar equipment. As we show the cost-effectiveness of living in balance with the Earth, we are confident that more communities will follow our example.