Solar energy for local development

Practical Small Projects (PSP) is a non-profit organisation established in 2004 in the United States of America. PSP facilitates the implementation of self-sustaining projects that require minimal financial and environmental resources and have maximum impact and results in the developing world.

Its goal is to create new health, educational and income-generating opportunities by developing and nurturing a solar energy market in Malian villages.

The PSP projects include the Meridiela village, where the objectives are to ensure access to clean drinking water, that lighting is installed in schools and maternities and that entrepreneurial activities are encouraged. The village of 2,520 inhabitants is located in the Circle of Bougouni. The major sources of revenue in the village include agriculture, breeding of livestock, trades and cultivation of plants. Due to lack of access to clean water and affordable energy, local population suffers from malnutrition and deplorable health and education conditions.

Through its support to PSP's assignment in Meridiela, the Addax Petroleum Foundation contributes to the following projects to meet local needs:

construction of a well with a solar pump;
refurbishment of a health centre;
supply of solar electricity and refrigeration in the health centre;
installation of solar electricity in the school;
transfer of skills in regards to installing and maintaining solar panels.

Alongside providing light and running water to the village, PSP focuses on training local villagers in the technology to ensure local supply and maintenance of the solar energy systems, thus ensuring sustainability and development of local businesses.

Location	Meridiela Mali
Objective	To improve the Meridiela community's quality of life through the use of solar energy
How	By supporting Practical Small Projects (PSP)