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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Philadelphia, PA, April 18, 2024 – The GREEN Program (TGP), a leading provider of international experiential education focused on sustainability, has announced an impactful partnership with Beast Philanthropy to provide clean energy solutions and life-changing assistance to communities in need, particularly in a rural village in Sindhuli, Nepal.
In December 2023, Beast Philanthropy joined forces with The GREEN Program to install a 10kW solar microgrid at the Chanaute Primary Health Clinic, a new hospital in Kholagaun Village, Sindhuli District, Nepal. This successful installation has brought reliable clean energy to more than 15,900 people, significantly impacting healthcare access in the community. Before this installation, the local community had to trek for over 7 hours to reach the nearest healthcare facility.
The collaboration aims to equip and empower the next generation of sustainability leaders while making a long-lasting impact in communities in need. This innovative experiential education program, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), imparts essential knowledge about solar microgrid technology, energy policies, and the challenges of implementing solar energy in rural communities.
Following the devastating earthquake in Nepal in 2015, the country has been focused on recovery and redevelopment, with a significant percentage of affected communities lacking energy access. The demand for renewable energy solutions has been tremendous, and solar microgrid energy systems are emerging as viable options to electrify rural areas impacted by the earthquake, where power outages can average up to 10 hours a day.
“We are grateful to Beast Philanthropy for their commitment to positive change and sharing the stories of the local communities who we serve,” said Melissa Lee, The GREEN Progam’s Founder and CEO. “Our partnership with Beast Philanthropy, GivePower Foundation, Kathmandu University, students, and the local officials and community in Khollagaun Village has been instrumental in bringing this clean energy solution to a rural community in Nepal.”
The collaboration has also engaged a diverse cohort of students, faculty, and young professionals studying abroad with The GREEN Program from the United States, Australia, Jamaica, India, and Taiwan, representing nine universities: San Diego State University, RMIT University, University of Michigan, Carnegie Mellon University, Clarkson University, University of Texas – Austin, University of DC, University of Utah, and North Park University.
Emma Sabourin, a Chemical Engineering and Alternative Energy Systems student at Clarkson University, shared her transformative experience stating, “This experience has truly changed me and will stay with me for years to come. Having the opportunity to interact with a rural community and learn about their culture is one I will forever be grateful for. Building off of this experience forced me to apply my learning right away.”
The YouTube video, “We Powered A Mountain” by Beast Philanthropy, highlights the local community’s story and the successful installation of a 10kW microgrid with The GREEN Program. Darren Margolias, Executive Director at Beast Philanthropy states, “I am so impressed with Melissa and The GREEN Program. They are a group of brilliant people who are dedicated to giving back to build a better world. I look forward to future projects together.”
For media inquiries, contact:
Melissa Lee
Founder, CEO
The GREEN Program
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (215) 821-0935
To learn more about The GREEN Program’s short-term experiential education programs abroad focused on sustainable development, visit https://thegreenprogram.com/. Applications for the upcoming sustainability programs in Nepal and other TGP locations are open.
