Second phase of Barefoot Solar Project
Published on: Sunday, February 26, 2017
Tuaran: The Sabah Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Association (Swepa) is an exemplary women non-governmental organisation (NGO) which has done a tremendously good job in bringing changes to marginalised villages.Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai made this observation at the Swepa Appreciation Dinner for donors and sponsors of the 3D Live Portrait Fund-Raising Project in aid of Swepa Barefoot Solar Project 2.0. Phase 2, held at the Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort and Spa, here, Friday.The NGO is embarking on the second phase of the project which involves socio-economic empowerment of four marginalised villages in a remote part of the Kota Marudu district.
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Bangkuai, who is Kiulu Assemblyman, was impressed with the Project Committee's success in completing Barefoot Solar Project 2.0 where two more illiterate grandmothers were trained as "solar engineers" or "solar mamas" in India, and thereafter lighted up three more villages comprising 100 houses, upon their return. Immediate Past President Datin Jeanette Tambakau doubles up as Project Organising Chairperson."As Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board, I am delighted to be associated with Swepa, and certainly hope to get to know the association better," he remarked. He has been following reports on the project in the Daily Express, which is the media partner.Swepa has to date sent three illiterate grandmothers – Tarihing Masanim from Kg Sonsogon Magandai (Barefoot Solar Project 1.0), Gining Jaineh from Kg Sungai Magandai and Rusni Singkamung representing Kg Sonsogon Suyad and Kg Binontungan Suyad (Barefoot Solar Project 2.0) – for hands-on training in solar engineering at the renowned Barefoot College in Tilonia, India.
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The trio underwent a six-month intensive course there and graduated as "solar mamas". They have successfully installed 200 sets of solar panels and equipment for 200 families, and distributed solar lanterns to all the families in the respective villages.
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"Swepa's dedication in empowering women to make a difference in their villages is indeed commendable. Your contribution to the socio-economic development of this marginalised community is a catalyst for achievement of the national development strategies and sustainable development goals of our State Government."The task of developing the rural community should be a collective effort involving the Government, private/corporate sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). In this respect, I salute Swepa for their commitment and devotion in uplifting the lives of the people," said Bangkuai, who was accompanied by his wife Datin Lucy Yong.To raise funds for the socio-economic empowerment project, the Barefoot Solar Project Committee, chaired by Tambakau, collaborated with renowned photographer Patrick Low, Malaysia's one and only 3D live portrait photographer and reputedly the World First Master Photographer Association (MPA UK) Certified 3D Master Photographer.`Eighteen elite philanthropists in Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu supported the 3D Live Portrait Fund-Raising project by donating RM8,000 each. Four other sponsors are Prestige (which sponsored the wine), Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa (which sponsored the Appreciation Dinner), The Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur (which sponsored the venue for the photo shoot session), and Sound & Light Events Supplies.Bangkuai praised the 18 special donors for their magnanimity, comprising Datuk Gordon Leong, Datuk Tan Kar Leong, Datuk Sharifah Habsah, Rebecca Chong, Jenny Harith, Damien Ooi, Datuk Aminah Ambrose, Alan Wong, Peter Wong, Mej (K) Hj Al Hambra Tun Juhar, Johannes Lo, Farish Bahrul Razha, Agyness Lee, Ryan Liew, Kevin Quah, Datuk Tan Siu Lin, Aaron Chin and Datuk James Lau (President of the Malaysian Taiwan Chamber of Commerce who sponsored a portrait of Adeline).After witnessing the unveiling of the "speaking portraits", the guest of honour presented each philanthropist with a 3D Live Portrait (measuring about 40" X 60") and an exclusive Coffee Table Book (produced by multiple award-winning Low) as a token of appreciation. Other partners in the Swepa Barefoot Solar Project 2.0, including Tan Holdings, Sabah Energy Corporation, Raleigh International, Asian Forestry Company Sabah, Sabah Land-Rover Club, Pacos Trust, Mouawad, Imago Louis Pang Photography, Imago, Palace Hotel and Daily Express, whose contributions were acknowledged, also received copies of the commemorative book from Bangkuai.3D Master Photographer extraordinaire Patrick Low, who also spoke, said he suffered a slipped disc and was out of work for three years. While he was immobile, he vowed to give something back to society. The opportunity to do so came when he learned that Swepa was in need of help for its socio-economic empowerment project. Thus he contributed the photography of 3D live-sized holograms as part of his corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme dubbed Silver Lining 2.Earlier, in her address, Swepa President Wynnie Jong said the Barefoot Solar Project 1.0 was initiated and spearheaded by Past President Datuk Adeline Leong (now President of the Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre, Taipei) to provide solar energy to remote villages in Sabah with no electricity supply in October 2013. The inaugural project was launched at Kg Sonsogon Magandai.The formation of Swepa was spearheaded by the Sabah Women's Advisory Council (MPWS) Economic Committee in March 1993. "We are committed to providing an enabling and empowering environment to women, regardless of their background, race or creed," said Jong.Meanwhile, the President said the association was proud to be associated with Barefoot College, having been ranked as the Top 13th best NGO in the world. "Swepa is blessed to have a great partnership with them. We are indeed grateful to the Founder of Barefoot College, Bunker Roy for putting his trust in us to carry out the meaningful solar project. We are indebted too, to all donors, sponsors and partners."Jong said the socio-economic empowerment programme is geared towards helping the grandmothers pass on their newly-developed skills to other community members, and guiding them to tackle issues such as gender inequality by providing the women with a sustainable livelihood. "This strategy will ensure long-term sustainability of the project and consequently an elevation of their socio-economic status," she added.Project 2.0 Organising Chairperson Tambakau reiterated that all proceeds from the 3D Live Portrait Fund-Raising Project go towards funding the socio-economic empowerment project while making a special vote of thanks to the 18 donors for supporting Swepa Barefoot Solar Project 2.0 Phase Two."And I take this opportunity to express our gratitude to Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa," she said. Present was the General Manager Jonathan Reynolds.Tambakau related how businesswoman Datin Viannie Undikai connected Swepa with the parties concerned, saying it led to a collaboration by donors, sponsors and partners in aid of the Barefoot Solar Project 2.0. Currently, Undikai from Penampang and Sandakan's Steven Chan, who is Prestige's Commercial Director, are living in Kuala Lumpur. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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