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Power Up Gambia

Vital Stats

Kathryn C

Wilmington, DE

people helped20000
People Doing It 30

The Problem

Power Up Gambia is a unique organization with a specific goal: to provide electricity to hospitals and clinics in The Gambia, West Africa through solar energy. This organization was founded by Kathryn Cunningham Hall as a junior at the University of Pennsylvania in October 2006. While volunteering at the Sulayman Junkung General Hospital, Kathryn witnessed staff struggling to serve the local population because of a lack of continuous electricity. Imagine going to a hospital and finding that there were no lights, no running water, and no refrigeration for blood or vaccines. After seeing an infant die because an incubator could not be powered, she decided something needed to be done.

Plan of Action

Kathryn knew she couldn't take on this challenge all by herself. Instead, she formed a board of directors (a group that gets together frequently to share ideas about fundraising and the project). Then, the board found a fiscal sponsor (an organization that helps take care of the money). Applying for a 501(c)3 would take too long at this point. With a group of people to help spread the message, a reliable place to put donations, and soon after a brochure.... we were off. To see what impact we have had in The Gambia (this is the most important thing!) check out our website under 'Projects.' There are some great pictures too.