African villagers thank Knutsford for life-changing solar power

Davy Chilakalaka, from Knutsford, was born in Malawi and experienced growing up in one of the poorest countries in the world.

In 2007, with his family, he set up Kasape, which means Fountain, to empower young people through education.

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Thanks to various fundraising initiatives and an appeal in the Knutsford Guardian, the town has rallied round to support this ambitious venture.

The charity has built a primary school for more than 700 pupils.

Kasupe provides a nutritious daily meal to every pupil, often the only sustenance children receive. (Image: Kasupe)

Now, enough money has been raised for the first phase of a life-changing solar energy system to be installed in the village of Chigonere, where Davy grew up.

This milestone will see electricity introduced for the first time.

Davy said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the Knutsford community in supporting our projects in Malawi over the years.

“The people of Chigonere would like to extend their gratitude for the significant donations which have allowed us to build not only the local primary school, but more recently the new solar power system.”

Kasupe provides a nutritious daily meal to every pupil, often the only sustenance children receive.

Funds are now being raised for the second phase which will bring water purification to help minimise disease.

Crop irrigation will produce food for the school and Wi-Fi for the whole community.

Extension of school hours beyond daylight will enable adult education for the community which has a high level of illiteracy.

The first phase of a life-changing solar energy system is being installed in the Malawian village of Chigonere (Image: Kasupe)

Carpentry and sewing workshops are being planned to help provide income and generate small businesses The cost of purchasing the solar power system will be £95,000 and the charity has already raised £27,000.

The newly installed solar power system allows the community to generate 13 kilowatts of energy per day.

Longer term, the plan is to extend this to 100 kilowatts per day to industrialise the village through the establishment of small manufacturing businesses such as the production of tomato and mango juice.

This, in turn, will help promote vocational skills and create a sustainable, self-sufficient future for the children and young people of the village and beyond.

To donate and find out more about Kasupe visit kasupe.org.uk or email Davy at kasupe.mlw@hotmail.co.uk