How is Gebrüder Weiss Supporting Refugees in Uganda?
At the heart of northern Uganda's Palorinya refugee settlement, a significant shift towards sustainable energy is taking place.
Gebrüder Weiss, a pioneer in global logistics, is at the forefront of delivering a top-tier photovoltaic (PV) system to the site, transforming how energy is used in the region.
This project, christened Solar Power for Palorinya, is spearheaded by the Comboni Missionaries, a Catholic missionary group, with Brother Erich Fischnaller taking the lead.
Its primary aim?
To harness solar power for training workshops, enabling refugees to learn essential skills such as carpentry, metalwork, and baking. This endeavour not only equips individuals with valuable expertise but also steers them towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
Andreas Bilgeri, Manager of Gebrüder Weiss Air & Sea Wolfurt says: “This is an exemplary initiative by companies in the region that helps to give the local population a perspective for the future – and it also makes ecological sense.
"Solar energy instead of fossil fuels: a sustainable aid project that we are happy to support."
Empowerment through education
Before the advent of this project, diesel generators were the main source of power for these educational workshops in the settlement. Now, with the shift to solar energy, the entire operation benefits from a greener, more cost-effective solution.
The system, a generous contribution from PV manufacturers and electrical engineering firms in Vorarlberg and Liechtenstein, is a standalone setup capable of producing up to 200 kilowatts of electricity. This substantial capacity ensures that the workshops can run efficiently and sustainably, providing uninterrupted learning and skill development opportunities to the inhabitants.
The journey of a solar system
The physical journey of the solar system begins well before it lights up lives in Uganda. Packed in a 40-foot sea freight container, its voyage starts from Wolfurt and extends via rail to Rotterdam. The journey continues over the seas to Mombasa, Kenya, and concludes with a truck ride to its final destination in Uganda.
In an impressive display of generosity and community spirit, Gebrüder Weiss provides this entire transportation segment from Vorarlberg to East Africa free of charge. This considerable logistical undertaking is made possible through the collaborative efforts of numerous volunteers who meticulously assemble, test, and pack the PV modules at the company's facilities.
Matthias Burtscher, a key figure in coordinating this campaign, expresses his relief and satisfaction in having Gebrüder Weiss on board: "This simplifies the coordination processes for us and we can be sure that the solar system will arrive at its destination safely and on time."
The transfer of this solar system is more than just a logistical feat; it represents a symbiotic blend of regional collaboration and international expertise. By assembling resources and expertise from various sectors and regions, Gebrüder Weiss and its partners showcase a model of sustainable aid that could be replicated globally.
Building a sustainable future
The impact of the Solar Power for Palorinya project extends beyond immediate electricity needs. It lays the groundwork for a sustainable future, where refugees are not merely survivors, but learners, makers, and eventually, contributors to their communities. Through this initiative, Gebrüder Weiss isn't just providing solar power; it's empowering individuals and fueling sustainable development.
The drive towards sustainable energy solutions, especially in settings as challenging as refugee camps, sets a precedent for humanitarian aid. With companies like Gebrüder Weiss steering the charge, the integration of sustainability in corporate strategies and humanitarian efforts reflects a promising shift towards a greener, more equitable world.
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