Power cuts and load shedding are things that most people in India are familiar with. Electricity has come to be known as an absolute necessity for the normal functioning of the average household in any country. Yet, energy poverty remains a rampant issue
plaguing millions across India.
Bangalore is considered to be the electronic/IT capital of India, with its numerous tech companies and call centres. However, what most people fail to notice from the outside is that there are thousands living in this very city without basic electricity
and lighting. These are clusters of families living in makeshift tents across the city, who make up a majority of the physical labour force of the city. Most of these houses are not electrified, as electricity is proving to be too expensive for these households.
In today's day and age, these families use kerosene lamps to light their homes, which have proven to be dangerous both to the health of people living in the tents and also as a fire hazard to the homes. This means that thousands within bangalore, and millions
across India, do not have proper lighting during the night and are reliant on a small naked flame from a makeshift kerosene lamp.
Our Story
Pollinate Energy was founded by a group of young Australians passionate about social change and renewable energy with the primary aim of providing affordable energy products to the urban poor. The project is currently based in Bangalore, and has electrified
over 130 communities already. Pollinate uses a microfinance business model to fund a group of young entrepreneurs, who create green energy products such as solar lights and mobile phone chargers.
Pollinate's fellowship program is a key component in the success of the entire process of setting up the micro businesses of the pollinators. The fellows and pollinators are a crucial team that needs to be formed for the success of pollinate's vision of
spreading clean energy across the target areas within bangalore. Fellows are the backbone for the initial startup phase of the business, as they assist pollinate in conducting reasearch on key areas such as establishing links between the communities of slum
dwellers, and also developing the solar powered products. The fellows also provide emotional and moral support to the pollinators, who themselves are completely new to the idea of starting a business.
My Story
As an Indian and living in India for the majority of my life, I have withnessed energy poverty first hand. It is absolutely heart-wrneching to see a group of children trying to complete their school homework, only with the light provided by a makeshift kerosene
lamp. There needs to be change, and it needs to come from within. This is why i think pollinate's fellowship program is the perfect opportunity to gain experience in social change and communications, and also giving back to a community and country of which
i have been a part of for most of my life.
What We Can Achieve With Your Support
This is why i need your support to reach the crowdfunding target of $2000, which is extremely critical to getting the fellowship program up and going. All donations go towards pollinate, and will help in setting up and maintaning the pollinators business
for atleast a year, and will also cover the food and accommodation of fellows in Bangalore.
Donate NOW to ensure pollinate can achieve their goal of eradicating energy poverty in India, and help create a brighter future for those living without a light in their homes.
Visit pollinate energy's website for more information on the goals and vision of the fellowship program at http://pollinateenergy.org/our-programs/fellowship/fellowship-overview/
Thank you.
