Mary Goldsmith-Mahoney's Colleagues at Women Light the World
Mary Goldsmith-Mahoney's Contact Details
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Greater New York City Area
Women Light the World
Mary Goldsmith-Mahoney's Company Details
Deforestation, poisonous fumes, lack of education, inadequate services, a dim future for the people of Humla, Nepal. Once the crown of the ancient caravan route, Humla has the worst human development index in all of Nepal. Humla is considered the most remote, isolated, and poorest district of the country. The majority of the villages do not have access to electricity. This beautiful yet harsh mountain areas is so remote that it deprives the people their basic needs. At Women Light the World, our mission is to educate and empower economically disadvantaged women and their families so they can build sustainable futures for themselves and generations to come. We are using a tried and true method of creating sustainable development. Harnessing the sun, we seek to bring light into each household in the rural regions of Nepal.With access to sustainable, reliable solar energy they will be able to light their homes without using poor quality kerosene. The children of these communities will be able to study after dark and get a much-needed education. Overall, it will reduce the region's reliance on aid. Humla can finally develop into an economic and socially viable district in Nepal. We can empower illiterate and semi-literate women in Humla to become "Solar Mamas" The Solar Mamas are 35 to 50 years old. The women are chosen by their village community to embark on a 6-month training course with our educational partner, Barefoot College. They are trained in the use and maintenance of solar technology for their villages. In the long term, these villages will have the power to light up their worlds -- both literally and figuratively. In addition, the community will have control over their energy needs rather than depending on the government. Statistically women invest twice as much of their income back into their families as men. Imagine -- more opportunities for children and adults to take their lives to the next level -- whatever they decide.