The University of Pennsylvania PUG Student Chapter is taking the lead in providing a Solar Suitcase to try out in a health clinic in The Gambia! Developed by We Care Solar, these small, portable solar power systems have two 20 watt panels and LED lights, cell phone chargers, battery chargers, fetal heart monitor and backup battery all in a bright yellow suitcase – ready to take to a remote clinic and plug in with minimal fuss. For small clinics, this is a quick and easy way to get lights when you are far from the electrical grid. We look forward to trying these out, and getting feedback on their suitability from the Gambian clinic staff. If the suitcases work well, we look forward to placing more of these small systems in remote health clinics.
My last day in The Gambia was amazing. Mr. Badgie was an incredible help by accompanying and driving me to my various appointments. First, we stopped by the Ministry of Health to remind them of the importance of getting our MOU signed before my flight in the afternoon. The Minister of Health was very busy helping prepare for the presidential inauguration later that week, so her deputy ministers were unsure whether they could get her approval and signature on the document. However, they said they would try their best and we agreed to return later in the day.
Mr. Badgie and his wife Sousa are so kind to host me again in their home. Both are going out of their way to make me feel at home. Sousa has made me delicious lunches and dinners, and Mr. Badgie is driving me to my last-minute appointments and to the airport tomorrow. They also bought me two lovely Gambian tie-dye summer dresses. One is meant for my mom because she made Sousa a beautiful necklace. Mr. Badgies daughters and nieces are also very sweet and welcoming. I have spent most of the evening watching TV dramas with them while typing this blog.
