The Garden Club of Princeton, member of Garden Club of America, Conservation Committee recently constructed a “Solar Suitcase,” a stand alone complete solar electricity system that fits into a rugged, weather and dust proof plastic suitcase suitable for travel to remote destinations, to help provide electricity to women at a birthing home in Sierra Leone.

The entire club supported the endeavor, allocating civic project funds to purchase the suitcase kit from the We Share Solar program. We Share Solar typically provides the kits to schools around the country, enabling students to learn about the science of solar electricity and international philanthropy. It also chooses and is responsible for delivery to communities without access to reliable electricity, which include schools, orphanages, community centers, and libraries. 

It took 10 women working in teams about three hours to construct the suitcase. Once attached to its single solar panel, it provides electricity for four light bulbs, charging ports for mobile phones and tablets, and charging for headlamps, which are included in the kit. The headlamps protect those who need to go out at night. The suitcase provides power for 4-5 hours in the evening and is able to capture solar energy even on rainy days.

The Garden Club members learned that over 1.5 billion people live in energy poverty, which severely limits their life chances, particularly when it comes to health and education. They also learned about conditions in Sierra Leone, which has the highest maternal mortality rate in the world. They had the opportunity to SKYPE with the physician who will bring the suitcase to Sierra Leone in March, and to learn about the overwhelming needs of that community.

The birthing home will provide a safe temporary home for expectant mothers, who would otherwise be forced to take a long and arduous journey, often life threatening, to the nearest health clinic once labor has started. The birthing home will allow them to stay at the clinic for two weeks before their delivery date, and to receive prenatal care and education.

“It was an amazing experience,” said Katherine Dresdner, co-chair of the conservation committee. “It was very rewarding to work together to do something concrete to help others and the environment.” Participants agreed it had been a fulfilling project, letting out a loud cheer at the end when the suitcase was placed outside with its solar panel, and the light bulbs immediately illuminated.

We Share Solar was co-founded by a member of the Garden Club of Princeton, Gigi Goldman.

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