More Aeta grandmas to get training in solar engineering

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines – More grandmothers from Aeta communities will be trained as “solar engineers” under a program launched by the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA). ??

The BCDA said the project sprung from the experience of four Aeta women, who trained for six months in India’s alternative school called The Barefoot College, on fabricating, installing, repairing and maintaining solar lighting equipment.

“These Aeta women are now responsible for solar electrifying 100 households in their communities and for repairing and maintaining the equipment for a minimum of five years,” the BCDA said. ??

The BCDA said Aeta women, preferably grandmothers who no longer work for a living for their families, would be trained at a facility in this freeport. ?

“Once the communities are solar-electrified, the quality of life of indigenous folk is expected to be more productive. They will be able to use appliances and gadgets while their children can study at night and even use computers and access the Internet to increase their knowledge and awareness,” it said.

The Clark Development Corp. (CDC) and the Diwata-Women in Resource Development Inc. recently signed an agreement for the use of the BCDA Group Women’s Center for the training of Aeta women. ??

“The project is... part of BCDA and CDC’s gender and development community relations program and corporate social responsibility,” said BCDA chairperson Ma. Aurora Garcia.