An uplifting meeting on 2nd floor...

REA, Rural Energy Agency, recently moved into a brand new building in the outskirts of the city, with a magnificent view of Dar es Salaam from the top floor. Despite being on 2nd floor, we had a really "uplifting" meeting with Mr Bengiel Msofe and Mrs Justina Uisso!

REA promotes access to modern energy and can support local entrepreneurs in this field by part financing, assuming the applicant can provide a strong business plan for the project. After Rafael has explained why he is engaged in this trip and how he sees the need for HiLight in his home area in Handeni, Mr Msofe says:

- Well, Rafael - you should apply for our support! Give us a project proposal, and we’ll take a look at it!

Mr Msofe and Mrs Uisso is encouraging with their positive can-do attitude. We look at each other and realize that we just found a second strong project proposal, where “Imosut e Purka”, Rafaels NGO (“Awareness for all” in Maasai), could play a large role. We leave the meeting with a great feeling and head off to get ready for our last evening in Dar es Salaam.

Until now, we have not been able to meet up with Regina, who we met our first day in Dar. Regina is a business woman who runs a taxi business, single mom with two kids and works full time in a law firm. We seize the opportunity to meet with her during our farewell dinner.
- You know, I’ve used the HiLight so much! We hang it in the middle room, and it lights up the two adjoining rooms too. We used hurricane lamps before, but it was embarrassing to bring them to the office during the day to charge them, I felt that my colleagues were looking at me. Now I don’t have to do that anymore!

Regina is one of the users who will keep a HiLight, and regularly report to us on how it works and how she uses it over time. A great excuse for us to stay in touch with this remarkable woman!