Equals3 Foundation is Official

We have finally completed the necessary paperwork to form Equals3 Foundation. It has been on our to-do-list for awhile but so many other project requests got in the way. This past week we also filed our federal IRS paperwork to make the foundation a tax exempt organization (501c3). Hopefully, in the next several months we will receive our IRS acceptance letter and be able to accept tax exempt donations. Thank you to everyone involved for all the support on this. - John

The show is up for viewing through November 14th

Equals3 Gallery Event

We had a very successful event on Saturday night at The/Main Gallery. The gallery has allowed us to use their space the a few weeks to highlight our efforts in Kenya and to help raise money for the next power system. We had over 200 people attend and they were able to see photographs, learn about our poverty mission, and see an actual power system that we will be shipping to Africa.

The photo above is of an entire wall that we covered with children faces from Lepaura school where we installed the last power system. The show will be up at the gallery until early November. If you are in the area, please stop in and see the exhibit. Location details are listed on the poster at the top of the blog. - John

It works!!

This is a short video of power being tested at Leparua primary school when we installed the system in June 2010.

Recyling Project in Kenya

When Carl and I were in Kenya installing the first power system for Leparua primary school we had an opportunity to work with interns from two universities in Canada. One young gentlemen, Alex Reid, who was working with us had an idea to start a recycling program in the area. Before this program, all trash in the area was burned which was very dangerous and bad for the environment. Last week Carl and I got a email from him on the success of his project. Below is a excerpt...


"Thank you for the motivation to take the initiative and start this project, it ended up being very worthwhile.

So we started out by collecting a bunch of plastic bottles from the Safaricom marathon and then we acquired and tested out a compactor and made some bales for collection. A company from Nairobi called Greenloop International from Nairobi came and collected all of the bottles from the marathon. We then built a shed in the logistics workshop with the approval of Harry. Now the tourist lodges can bring all of their PET plastic bottles to the shed and they are compacted and stored until there is enough for Greenloop to come and collect."


This kind of youth interaction is a great benefit and surprise to me. It is amazing how many young adults Carl and I have been in contact with since we started this project. It is very gratifying working with them to understand how to get involved to try and make a difference. - John

We have Lights at Leparua School

It is official. We now have lights and electrical outlets at Leparua primary school. It took a few months for money to be allocated and installers to be arranged by Lewa and the community. The good news is that phase one is now complete! The library has several energy efficient lights (some are shown in the picture above) and a few electrical outlets to support lantern charging and a few computers. When more money becomes available, they will pull electric to the head master's office and more outlets will be installed in the library. - John

1000 People @ $20 - Donation Campaign

Thank you so much for all of your support. We have just launched our latest fund raising campaign "1000 people at $20" for our next project at Karimba Primary School in northern Kenya. Our goal is to be back in Kenya by December for the next power system installation. Since our last installation, we have made many modifications to improve the power system installation process, serviceability, and shipping. After each system we install, our knowledge and experience helps make the next project better and less expensive. Thanks to you, we will continue to make a difference. Please take the time to donate from either our blog or our website www.equals3.net. Your $20 can really make a long term difference.

John

Back Home and Busy at work

We finally got settled in back home and have adjusted to the jet lag. Carl and I are busy working on some case modifications that will help us support warmer and dustier environments along with bring the long term cost of the security case down substantially. Next week, look for us to announce our new fund raising drive for Karimba school. We are looking to have 1000 people each give $20USD to allow us to return with another system in December. More details to follow, along with easier online donation options!

I have posted several additional pictures on the right side of the blog. Scroll down the page and enjoy the images that Emily, Carl and I took when we were in Kenya. - John

Driving to Leparua School

The terrain to Leparua school is very difficult because if its remote location. It was a good test for us to see how well the power system could handle the rough roads and bouncing around. The concept that we can build a power system and get it delivered and installed in a remote location was what we wanted to experience and it worked great. - John

Carl the Biologist

For the record, there are no Silverback Gorillas in Kenya!!!

Update from Leparua School

I just received an Email from Faith at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy telling us about their progress at Leparua school. Carl and I will be donating additional rechargeable lanterns for the teachers at the school. They can now charge the lanterns during the day and have a light at home each evening. This is the first time power has been available in the area and it will help the school recruit better teachers along with helping the children have access to library lights and computers. It is good to be home. We just arrived last night and are trying to adjust to the time change!- John

This is the Email message from Faith:

Dear John,

I am not sure if you are home or still at the Mara…..

Please find attached photos of the three lanterns in Leparua. They head teacher received them and distributed to three teachers. Harry is planning to do wiring in the library and I am sure he will update you on that.

Alex, the Canadian volunteer promises to go the school in July after the marathon to teach computers and we will organize that. He will probably go in company of another volunteer.

We will keep you informed on the progress and usage of the solar unit.

With many thanks

Faith