During my work period with Lifeline energy has convinced me that this is a very useful tool for addressing divers challenges of under-privileged communities in third-world countries like Zambia. For instance, working with COMACO, Lifeline Energy has made it possible to communicate important ways about how rural farmers can cope with climate change. This is all because the radio and MP3 player are so basic they can easily be used by rural communities with very little hands-on monitoring. Incidentally, the MP3 player has proved its worth as a training tool.
Lifeline Energy is just that...a life line for all ages and walks of life to stay connected and learn through the use of Lifeplayers and Prime radios.
I personally have been donating to Lifeline Energy for the past 10 years and for the first time ever, I was able to travel to Zambia to see a small portion of how they are changing the lives of those in need. I was fortunate enough to sit in on a few women's listening groups where they wold use Prime radios to listen to Farm Talk - a local broadcast about best farming practices. Without access to a Prime radios, these 40+ women would have never had a chance to hear this educational content. They then share this information with their husbands, village and just about anyone that will listen. The content ranges from the benefits of crop rotation, composting, fertilizer, the horribly negative impact on burning to hunt or clear land and much much more.
One of the most powerful outcomes of using the Prime radio is that it creates an open dialogue because villages form listening groups. After the program is over, they sit and discuss what they learned and how to implement it into their daily life.
I will continue to support Lifeline for the foreseeable future as they aren't just putting a bandaid on problems, they are working on a ground up solution that will continually provide content to those thirsty for it, which only yields a more educated person who will strive to make his/her community that much stronger.
After spending over a week on the ground in Zambia with the Lifeline Energy team, I am more committed than ever to doing everything I can for this outstanding organization. Seeing the passion and the expertise of their CEO in the field first hand, not to mention the generosity and dedication exuded by their team, was a truly eye-opening and heart-warming experience. It is one that won't soon be forgotten and one I will try and carry with me everyday.
We are doing everything we can for Lifeline through our US based fundraising efforts, but I urge everyone out there to consider making a donation to this incredible cause. The smallest amount truly can make the biggest difference.
Humbly,
Kellen Manley & The Tom Hanks Day Team
http://lifelineenergy.org/support-us/international-tom-hanks-day/