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Jul 12, 2018
When Lulaway first launched nearly 10 years ago, the landscape of job opportunities looked very different. With the rise of automation, gig economies, and especially the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the formal sector has seen a decline in available jobs. As a result, the need for innovative solutions to create employment and economic sustainability has never been more urgent.
Lulaway, in collaboration with Miller Methods, has come up with an innovative concept aimed at addressing both unemployment and energy access through the installation of solar geysers in the informal sector. This initiative, which focuses on job creation and skills development, is not only providing work opportunities but also drastically improving the livelihoods of many people living in communities without access to basic amenities like hot water.
The concept behind this initiative is rooted in the belief that real change comes from within the community. When Lulaway entered the project space, it became clear that getting involved with local community leaders and understanding the unique challenges on the ground was essential for success. Unlike traditional top-down approaches, this project emphasizes the importance of community involvement to ensure its long-term impact.
The solar geysers installed as part of this initiative are game-changers. For many households in informal sectors, access to hot water was a luxury that seemed unattainable. By providing solar-powered geysers, Lulaway and its partners have helped improve the daily lives of these residents. Not only does it offer the practical benefit of hot water for bathing and laundry, but it also improves hygiene and quality of life, which are key factors in enhancing health and well-being in the community.
At the heart of the initiative is a gravity-fed solar geyser system. These simple yet effective systems use a 50-liter drum to hold water, which is then heated through direct sunlight. The system also includes five 2-liter cooling bottles that help retain warmth throughout the day. This sustainable solution is not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective, offering a viable option for communities who previously lacked access to basic utilities.
Before the project began, many households struggled to access clean water and relied on inefficient and costly methods to heat water. The installation of the solar geysers has alleviated these challenges and empowered people to lead more dignified and healthier lives.
One local resident shared the immense impact the initiative had on their life, saying, “Having warm water has changed my life drastically. I don’t have to boil water anymore to bathe or do laundry.” Such testimonials highlight the transformative power of providing basic services like hot water, which can make a significant difference in everyday living.
This solar geyser project does more than just provide immediate relief; it creates long-term employment opportunities and fosters entrepreneurship. Local entrepreneurs have been trained to install and maintain these systems, allowing them to contribute to the local economy. The initiative has successfully created jobs, with many young people gaining hands-on experience in the renewable energy sector, which has the potential for future growth.
The project has also helped foster skills transfer and created new business opportunities for entrepreneurs who might not have had access to formal job markets. These young entrepreneurs are not only creating their own businesses but also employing others, thus contributing to the economic upliftment of their communities.
An often overlooked benefit of the solar geyser initiative is its positive environmental impact. Plastic pollution is one of the major ecological challenges of our time, with tons of plastic waste ending up in landfills, rivers, and oceans each year. By repurposing plastic materials into the solar geyser systems, Lulaway has found a way to address both job creation and environmental sustainability. Instead of allowing plastic waste to pollute the environment, it is being transformed into a useful, long-lasting product that benefits local communities.
While the results so far are impressive, there is still much work to be done. The initiative’s success depends on continued support from donors, sponsors, and government partnerships. For this project to have a broader, lasting impact, the involvement of partners is crucial. By bringing together government bodies, local businesses, and international sponsors, Lulaway believes that the solar geyser initiative can scale up and positively impact even more lives.
As one community member put it, “I’d like to see more sponsors, more donors, and for the government to partner with Lulaway to make people’s lives easier. With their support, we can help more people in need.”
Lulaway’s solar geyser initiative is a perfect example of how a community-centered approach can address pressing issues like unemployment, energy access, and environmental sustainability. By leveraging innovative solutions, creating jobs, and empowering local entrepreneurs, this project has already begun to make a tangible difference. With the continued support of partners and sponsors, Lulaway hopes to expand the program and reach even more communities, helping to create a brighter, more sustainable future for many.
This initiative highlights the potential of combining social entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment to tackle some of the most complex challenges facing South Africa today. It’s a powerful reminder that through collaboration and innovation, we can build a more inclusive and prosperous society for all.
