It is not an ordinary basket as your mind would immediately imagine, however, it is pretty appealing and unique in the dawn of renewable energy! Then what makes it extraordinary? Not until I had been involved with the Joint Energy and Environment Projects (JEEP) folkecenter in Kyanja on Gayaza Road, Kampala-Uganda, did I come across hay baskets which originally obtained its name from hay – dried grass. I discovered that it obtained its name from hay – dried grass.
On 17th /July /2013 JEEP partnered with Straight Talk foundation / Tree Talk to train ** Energy Service Providers** in the construction of clean energy saving cook stoves. Forty Energy service providers were trained from 10 districts namely Lira, Lamwo, Nwoya, Kitgum, Pader, Gulu, Amuru, Adjumani Agago and Kapchworwa. The main objective of this training was to equip participants with skills in constructing of energy saving stoves who will in turn become Trainers in their respective districts.
JEEP together with Momentum micro development limited have finalised a six month pilot study on developing women groups in Kyanja Nakawa Division by giving them affordable loans. These women groups have completed their loan repayment and some of there businesses are doing well. JEEP has considered them for new applications but this time around**,** JEEP is giving individuals not groups. Kyanja women group Mrs Nalwanga Justine a resident of Kyanja Nakawa division she is enjoying the fruits of this loaning scheme.
The enormous imbalance in lifestyles and the resultant devastating effects on environment called for this year’s theme being-Think.Eat.Save. JEEP as usual participated in this year’s World Environment Day Celebrations on 5th /June/2013 in Kalangala District. The above theme encourages everyone to become more aware of the environmental impact of the food choice one makes and empowers everyone to make informed decisions. JEEP still aimed at deepening public awareness and education of the need to preserve and enhance the environment.
JEEP together with PATH organized quarterly team review meetings on 20th and 21st of March 2013. These meetings were attended by Village Health Team Volunteers and Sales Agents from all parishes in Kira Town Council and Ssabagabo Makindye Sub County. JEEP conducted a community demonstration on 26th /03/2013 in Kireka C Kira Town Council. It was attended by community members, Representatives from PATH Washington, USAID and University Research Council Washington.
JEEP has finalized the training of new solar local electricians from 3 districts. These districts include Arua, Amuria and Kasese. The participants were introduced to solar energy as well as management and maintenance of these systems. Emphasis was placed on the role of the local electricians to manage and maintain the solar systems at their respective schools The workshop was opened by Ruth N Kiwanuka the CEO who emphasized the role of local electricians in ensuring the sustainability of the solar systems.
