Practical Action launches new phase of Renewable Energy for Refugees project

Practical Action launched a new phase of the Renewable Energy for Refugees project with an exciting event at Rwanda’s largest refugee camp.

Members of the refugee community joined with the Swedish Ambassador, Johanna Teague, The Rwandan Minister for emergency management Ms.  Solange Kayisire and UNHCR staff.

Along with Practical Action’s team, they enjoyed a tour of the camp business centre, heard from people who had worked with Practical Action in the first phase and listened to speeches from all stakeholders.

All joined at Mahama Camp to celebrate the beginning of great change for 100,000 refugees set to benefit from access to renewable energy in this new phase.

Practical Action will manage the project with funding provided by the Sida-Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, working in close collaboration with Rwanda’s Ministry of Emergency Management, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees-UNHCR, the camp-and host community representatives and local authorities.

After helping to bring energy access to 83,000 people in Nyabiheke, Kigeme and Gihembe refugee camps, the work will continue and expand into three more – Mahama, Mugombwa and Kiziba.

Find out more about the new project and what was achieved in the first phase here.

The event was covered extensively by the Rwandan media here and here:

• https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/2998
• https://www.kigalitoday.com/amakuru/amakuru-mu-rwanda/article/imiryango-isaga-14-000-y-impunzi-z-i-mahama-igiye-guhabwa-amashanyarazi