In May 2023, floods and landslides hit Rwanda's northern and western provinces, resulting in a tragic loss of lives and property. As the government rushed to save the lives of those trapped and resettle hundreds, local government officials reached out to anyone who could offer support.
In Musasa Sector, Rutsiro District, Western Province, officials had managed to secure a building to house several families with the help of a local cooperative. Numerous families were accommodated in the facility and provided with mattresses, blankets, and food since they had lost everything. While they were glad to have a semblance of their life restored, one challenge remained: there was no electricity in the building because the area is off-grid.
At BBOXX's head office in Kigali, management was already assessing the number of customers who might have been affected by the floods to determine what assistance could be provided. The company's local team in Rutsiro reported that while accommodation and other basics were being provided by the local government, residents were living in the dark due to a lack of electricity. BBOXX saw this as an opportunity to assist. Solar panels, lights, batteries, and torches were quickly installed, and that night electricity was provided.
"As a responsible and compassionate organization, we believe in standing by our communities when they need us the most. When torrential rains struck, we quickly mobilized our resources and personnel to provide immediate relief to the affected areas. Our primary focus was to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents and work closely with local authorities, relief organizations, and community leaders to coordinate our efforts effectively," commented BBOXX Managing Director John Uwizeye.
"We are truly grateful to BBOXX for standing with us. Such acts restore hope in our residents whose homes have been destroyed," stated Ndayikeshe, the site manager and head of social affairs in Musasa sector.
This intervention precedes a newly signed partnership between BBOXX and Bralirwa to provide solar electricity to 59 additional homes in Ngororero District, also in Western Rwanda. The 59 homes were selected in partnership with the district authorities, and installations are expected to be completed by the end of this month (June 2023).
"We believe in promoting sustainable practices and enhancing our social impact in the communities we serve," said Etienne Saada, Bralirwa's Managing Director, at the signing ceremony.
Yvette Muhawenimana dreams of serving her country but needed a little help.
Yvette Muhawenimana is a 14-year-old female student in Senior One at Groupe Scolaire Nyagasambu. Every school night, she sat under the streetlights outside her home to complete her homework due to her family's lack of access to electricity at home. On one of those nights, Bosco Manirabona, a Kayonza-based entrepreneur, was walking home when he noticed her from a distance, studying intensely. He took a few photographs and posted them on Twitter, requesting the public to intervene and help this child access electricity at home.
The inspiring photos of Yvette studying diligently despite the challenges struck a chord with the online community. In BBOXX&039;s office, there was no question about whether to support Yvette or not. By the following day, Yvette's home was fully electrified with solar energy courtesy of BBOXX. BBOXX also gave her a school bag full of essential scholastic materials.
The electricity does not just benefit Yvette but also her entire household of five: a single mother, a sister, a brother, and a niece. The children can now study in the safety of their homes without worrying about the cost of candles or the risk of associated fires. The family's living situation will also improve as the local authorities and community members are working together to help them find a permanent residence.
Numerous studies indicate that access to electricity has a positive impact on education outcomes. Electricity reduces dropout rates and improves student retention in schools. Schools with electricity also generally outperform non-electrified schools in national examinations. Electrified schools are also able to install computers, the internet, printers, scanners, projectors, and other ICT tools.
Last year, BBOXX donated electricity to Rwanda Children's Christian School (RCCS), located in Ntarama sector, Bugesera district. The school offers primary school education to over 500 students.
To date, BBOXX has positively impacted over 500,000 Rwandans by supplying clean, reliable, and affordable energy. BBOXX's long-term vision is to sustainably end energy poverty and provide life-changing products that unlock the potential of those at the bottom of the economic ladder.