Vision
The Solar Programme is a transformative initiative aimed at promoting clean energy and socio-economic development in rural areas. It focuses on training rural women, who have no formal education, in solar technology installation and maintenance.
By equipping these women with valuable skills and knowledge, the programme fosters self-sufficiency, livelihood development, and environmental sustainability. As a result, communities benefit from increased access to renewable energy, reduced carbon emissions, economic empowerment, and improved quality of life.
The Solar Programme plays a vital role in addressing energy poverty and empowering participants, particularly women, to become agents of change within their communities. By training women to become Solar Engineers, rural resilience is forged by each village at a time and we ensure that knowledge stays within communities to benefit generations to come.
Targeting Sustainability Goals
Our Impact
3,500 Rural Women
trained in Solar93 Countries
with Barefoot Solar Programs2.5 million+
people with access to lightDemystifying The Technology
Colour CodingDriving technological expertise goes beyond the traditional methods of knowledge building. By recognizing the fine details of electrical circuitry through the use of colours, rural women learn to assemble their own equipment and install Solar Home Lighting systems in their villages.
Sign LanguageA mosaic of rich cultures from around the world presents our Solar Master Trainers with as many as 20 different languages per Solar Mama cohort! By using alternative communicative skills including sign language, everyone can express their insights in a unified manner.
Practical ExperienceOnce women have returned home fully trained, their ability to operate independently comes from the hands-on practise they experience during training. Solar Mamas participate in workshops that help them to explore skill-building exercises that ensure that they’ll be confident each step of the way.
Meet the Solar Engineers
The rural women we work with around the world are the heart and soul of our work. These women, who have little-to-no formal education or literacy, receive hands-on education in assembling, installing, and maintaining solar panels and equipment. As Solar Mamas, they not only gain a sustainable income and financial independence but go on to install clean, sustainable energy for their communities.
Meet Mariatou!Flip the Switch
Consider a
Montly Donation
Every donation counts, and we’re grateful for whatever you feel you can afford. A one-off donation is a fantastic start to help the 930 million rural people without access to electricity, but issues that women face are long-term problems, and they need long-term solutions. Regular donations mean we can commit to working with women and girls for as long as it takes.
Make a Montly Donation
Learn More about our
solar mamas
DOÑA LUZ: Stories of Latin American Solar Mamas
The Barefoot College sent French and Canadian photographer and filmmaker Varial* to document the lives of 15 indigenous women from 5 countries in Latin America throughout the electrification process: preparing to leave for this incredible journey, a 6-month training period in India, returning to their communities and electrifying more than 100 homes.
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