I’ve been working at AiNA soa for eight years now. The fact that it’s not just a place to work, but also a place to learn, has encouraged me to stay. My main job is multimedia and computer maintenance, but I’m also responsible for repairing or installing equipment. I’m convinced that I’m helping the other team members with my responsibilities, which makes me happy.
Need for alternative energy
For years, power cuts have been part of everyday life in Madagascar, particularly in the capital Antananarivo. They can be short, but sometimes last more than two hours, or even 4 hours. It happened that the cut last in total 8 hours in a day. That’s the equivalent of a full working day..
When we are not doing mission outside, we mainly make research on internet or create training tools on computer at the office. As I said above, my main work is to create videos and that’s impossible without power as I have to work on computer. It happened that I couldn’t do anything during the day as all the computers run out of power because the cuts last longer. Personnally, that was the worst experience I ever have at work.
It may be very difficult for Europeans to imagine this situation, as many have never experienced such situations. Fortunately, some of our Board members who visited us in Madagascar are familiar with this problem and its consequences. The Board therefore decided to look into the use of solar energy. A generous donation for the solar panels and transportation (from Basel by shipping container) made this step possible. After a three-month journey, the panels arrived in the middle of the rainy season. After a few months – when it became drier and sunnier – we were able to start preparations for the installation.
AiNA soa, a workplace and a field of application
I think I’m one of those people who are good with their hands. It’s one of my hobbies to repair or create things. During COVID 19, I took advantage of my confinement to learn metalworking. I gradually improved my skills through various creations. I started by making small shelves, then went on to create gates, protective grilles and window shutters.
When the two solar panels were shipped to Madagascar, the problem was how to install them on our roofs. They are quite large, measuring 2 metres in length.
Our President, Jacqueline Ribeli, deliberately left it up to us whether to ask outsiders to install them or to take on the task ourselves. I didn’t hesitate to respond to the request from our leaders here in Mada when they asked me if I could do it. I also like challenges.
I really enjoy putting my skills to work. Creating the supports for the solar panels gave me the opportunity to do just that. They have to be strong and durable, so we have to make them out of metal.
The idea was to create a platform on the roofs to make it easier to install the solar panels and orientate them in the right direction and at the right angle. Like this the solar pannels will give the optimal energy expected. The shape of the roofs is also a real challenge, as they are very sloping. The pannels also are quite large, measuring 2 meters in length. In addition to that, the roofs are not strong anymore. All these facts made it difficult to take measurements. Fortunately, I tried my best to apply all my skills and experiences to make it possible. I was really happy when I reached my goal.
Thank you
I’d particularly like to thank my AiNA soa team-mates who put their trust in me and helped me get all the equipment to the roofs. I’d also like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to those who donate to AiNA soa. We are very grateful to you, because thanks to you, power cuts are now a thing of the past for AiNA soa.
Rado, IT Technician & Public Relations Assistant