Jenifa Jimu, 43, a female breadwinner from Chapuma Village in Madisi, Dowa, had spent most of her life without a reliable source of light. Nights were long, dark, and often unsafe, with only torches or candles to light her way. Raising four children as a single parent, she never imagined she would one day have access to clean, affordable energy. “I cannot believe this privilege,” she reflects. “It was never my dream that as a single parent I could manage to have proper and affordable lights at night.”
Her life, and that of her family, has transformed since the introduction of solar power through the Solar Village for Quality Education (SVQE) project. “Life has changed for my family ever since we were blessed with the solar as we are now able to do things that we could only dream of,” Jimu shares.
Students studying in the evening courtesy of the solar lights.
Her children, who once struggled to complete schoolwork by the dim and flickering glow of candles or torches, can now study comfortably at home, deep into the night, without interruption. This has greatly improved their academic performance at Mtanila Primary School, where they had previously fallen behind in their continuous assessments.
The benefits extend far beyond education. As a farmer, Jimu now finds herself able to complete evening tasks such as maize shelling, seed grading, and packaging, activities that have increased her productivity and helped secure a better livelihood for her family.
Previously, relying on candles posed a financial burden and a safety hazard—especially under their thatched roof. “It has been a tough situation, also considering that the candles pose a big threat, as any mistake could lead to a fire incident, especially with children who can be careless in handling them,” she notes.
Jimu explains how the solar system transformed her life.
Jimu’s family is just one of 296 households in Chapuma Village benefiting from the SVQE project. The initiative, spearheaded by Opulence, is focused on improving the quality of education in the area of Senior Chief Chakhaza by providing clean, affordable solar energy. The project seeks to nurture a reading culture, ensuring that school-going children have the means to study after sunset. The solar power solutions have not only improved academic prospects but also contributed to better living conditions, security, and financial stability for these households.
Okhifi Dimba, the Programs Officer for Opulence, underscores the transformative impact of the SVQE project. “We saw an immediate need to address the lack of reliable lighting in rural households, especially for school-going children,” says Dimba. “Education is a key pillar for development, and without proper lighting, students especially in the rural areas are disadvantaged in completing their homework and advancing academically.” He emphasizes that solar power is not just about electricity—it’s about empowering entire communities to take control of their futures.
Dimba explaining how the solar system works.
Dimba further explains that the project is designed with sustainability in mind. “We wanted to ensure that these households have access to affordable, clean energy that can be maintained over time,” he says. “By training local technicians on solar installation and maintenance, we are not only providing a service but creating jobs and long-term benefits for these communities.” The project aims to create a ripple effect, where improved access to energy leads to better education, productivity, and overall quality of life.
Reflecting on the broader mission of Opulence, Dimba highlights their commitment to uplifting communities through innovative solutions that address pressing challenges such as energy access and education. “Our goal is to uplift communities through innovative solutions that address pressing challenges like energy access and education,” he says. Dimba points out that projects like SVQE are crucial in rural areas, where infrastructure limitations have long hindered progress. “Through partnerships and community engagement, we’re making strides toward a brighter future for everyone involved,” he adds, noting that such projects serve as a blueprint for rural development across Malawi.
Some of the lighting equipment used before the installation of solar systems.
Access to electricity remains one of Malawi’s most pressing challenges, with only around 15% of the population connected to the national grid as of 2023. This figure plummets to just 5% in rural areas, where families like the Jimu’s rely on expensive, unsafe, and unreliable sources of energy such as candles, batteries, and kerosene (Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority). The introduction of solar power in villages like Chapuma through the SVQE project offers a lifeline, not just in terms of clean energy but in breaking the cycle of poverty by improving education and productivity.
For Jenifa Jimu, solar power has opened doors she never thought possible. “Now, I can support my children’s education in ways I never could before,” she says with pride. Her story, like many others in Chapuma Village, is a testament to the life-changing potential of clean energy.