With diesel and petrol supplies interrupted by the conflict, people in Yemen have been turning to solar power at unprecedented rates to access electricity. Tearfund, through our partner, provided solar energy training to remote urban and rural communities to increase their access to electricity. This week, we give thanks for the success of the programme and pray for an end to the conflict.
Sunday 13 August
One of the top energy needs in Yemen is fuel for cooking, but firewood is scarce and bottled gas is expensive and difficult for people to get hold of. Solar cooking, even when used for only one meal each day, can cut cooking fuel costs by 30 per cent or more. Lift up struggling families in Yemen who have endured many years of conflict. Pray that our local partner will be able to support more families there with solar projects.
Monday 14 August
Tearfund’s partner’s solar programme provides ten days of hands-on training in the design, installation and maintenance of battery-based solar power systems. ‘I was so astonished by the idea of the solar cooker,’ says student Khaleel. ‘I felt that this topic was specifically designed to help me.’ Give thanks that Khaleel is now saving money on gas for cooking.
Tuesday 15 August
Khaleel used the solar training to help others. ‘The news spread and people came to me asking to make solar cookers for them,’ he says. ‘So I responded with pleasure. So far I have built more than 16 solar cookers for people.’ Pray that the graduates of the course, who number more than 1,000, will also share their knowledge and skills with others.
Wednesday 16 August
‘I got a big benefit from the solar course,’ says Ahmed. ‘After the training, I started earning money from working on solar power. I work in an electrical shop and sell panels, so I worked with the customers to fix the panels for them.’ Pray for people like Ahmed, who are trying to live a normal life amid the ongoing conflict.
Thursday 17 August
Around 40 per cent of the solar students were women. One said, ‘As a female, people in my village could not believe that I could work on the installation of solar panels. This gave me greater confidence.’ Pray that this programme will support more women.
Friday 18 August
A member of staff at Tearfund's partner says, ‘It is extremely important that Yemenis have a positive experience with solar energy systems so that when the conflict ends and access to diesel and petrol is restored, they will continue to use solar to provide for their energy needs.’ Pray for peace and reconciliation in Yemen, the conflict is now in its tenth year.
Saturday 19 August
‘Thanks so much for bringing light to our darkness,’ says Rana, who completed the solar training.
Father God, we lift up to you these amazing, resilient people who have not given up despite enduring years of conflict and hardship. Be with them, strengthen and comfort them, we pray. Amen.
