Washington — Peace Corps volunteer Allegra Panetto of Haworth, New Jersey, is working with a health center in eastern Malawi to power electricity in several of the center’s rooms using solar energy.
A portion of the funds for the project were raised through the Peace Corps Partnership Program, a program that helps fund Peace Corps volunteer community projects worldwide.
“Each month, more than 60 infants are delivered at the health center. Half of these infants are delivered in the middle of the night, and because it only has lights in the labor ward and outpatient room, mothers pre- and post-delivery must wait in a room without electricity,” said Panetto, a Columbia University graduate. “Installing solar energy at the health center will better the lives of both the patients and staff.”
The health center serves more than 17,000 people in 35 villages near the shores of Lake Malawi. Before installing the solar panels in the health clinic, the staff will renovate the inpatient room and staff housing to prepare for the installation. In 2009, solar electricity was installed in the outpatient room and labor ward.
“The sun’s power is the sustaining force behind this project,” said Panetto, who has been working as a health volunteer in Malawi since July 2010. “The area is very hot and sunny, even during rainy season. The acquisition of electricity to the inpatient dorm will increase the capacity of patient attendants, nurses and family members to care for patients — expectant or new mothers, or those suffering from life-threatening diseases.”
To receive funding through the Peace Corps Partnership Program, a community must make a 25 percent contribution to the total project cost and outline success indicators. This helps ensure community ownership and a greater chance of long-term sustainability.
More than 2,520 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Malawi since the program was established in 1963. Currently, 126 volunteers serve there. Volunteers work in the areas of education, environment, agriculture and health. Volunteers are trained and work in seven languages: Chichewa, Chilambya, Chilomwe, Chindali, Chisena, Chitonga and Chitumbuka.