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.

Upon returning to the United States, Kathryn founded Power Up Gambia with the mission of providing electricity to this hospital. Using solar energy turned out to be the most logical choice. With lots of help, Kathryn started to fundraise. The goal - $300,000. After two years of hard work, Power Up Gambia had the funds. To see where we are in the installation process check out www.powerupgambia.org Throughout the two years of fund-raising, Power Up Gambia recognized that the problem with lack of electricity extends beyond the hospital. PUG has recently expanded its mission to help other clinics and hospitals in The Gambia. Maybe one day we can spread this model to other countries too.

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.

More information about Power Up Gambia can be found at: www.powerupgambia.org