It seems that everyday we discuss the need for offsetting our carbon footprint but the individuals at SELF (solar electric light fund) are focusing on how to bring solar power to regions that are not leaving any carbon footprint. In fact, by bringing the solar power technology, SELF is providing individuals in developing nations with meaningful, life improving enhancements in health, education, and economic well being.  It is quite remarkable that this company is simultaneously preventing the increase of CO2 emissions while enhancing lives of others.  Currently, "The Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) is working to install low-cost micro-irrigation and solar water pumps in two villages in Kalalé District [of Benin in western Africa]. This will create a reliable and economical means of irrigation and enable families in these villages to grow crops during the six month dry season for significant improvements in family income and nutrition. At least 20 families (100-200 people) will directly benefit from the solar-irrigation project and approximately 4,500 people living in two communities will benefit from the added supply of clean water during the rainy season" reported by Bob Freling, SELF's executive director.  

In fact if one looks at the projects that SELF has initiated around the world it is remarkable. Some of their projects include:
* Developed a solar powered computer lab project in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa 
* Launched a first-of-a-kind fully-sustainable community solar project in a sunny, off-grid region of northeastern Brazil 
* Completed a 50-house project in Sukiki on the island of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands 
* Launched a commercially sustainable village solar project in Indonesia in association with a local solar electric company
* Completed the first phases of a large-scale pilot program in Vietnam in association with the Vietnam Women's Union (VWU), which implements the project in 3 provinces and manages the credit mechanism. SELF and the VWU are developing a national rural electrification program to serve the 7 million families without access to the national grid. 
* Completed the "Maasai Solar Energy Project" in Tanzania, where the Olkonerei Integrated Pastoralist Survival Programme seeks to preserve a 19th century way of life by using a 21st century technology.  

You can read all of the projects that have been completed by SELF at SELF.Org Projects or educate yourself more about the organization at SELF.Org 

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