Impact Stories

Halland Chiwanga, "I feel like I am really helping people."

Halland Yamis Chiwanga, a vibrant 55-year-old, and her husband, Dickson, tend their small farm in Hombolo, a village just an hour’s journey north of Dodoma, Tanzania’s bustling capital. In this semi-arid region, due to unpredictable rains, agriculture is a livelihood and a way of life for 84% of its inhabitants, including the Chiwanga family.

Halland’s days were busy raising six children aged 12 to 30, and the pervasive smoke in their home from the candles and kerosene lamps was a constant source of anxiety for Halland.

My children often suffered from coughing due to the smoke from our kitchen and the lamps, and we all had red eyes at home because of the smoke.”

Four years ago, at a village gathering, Halland met a Solar Sister representative. The appeal of clean energy caught her attention, prompting her to explore entrepreneurship with Solar Sister.

“My life has improved since I began using solar products and grabbed the Solar Sister opportunity. This shift has increased my income and enhanced the overall well-being of my family and community through access to clean and affordable energy solutions. I own my own business, and being able to support my family is the greatest achievement in my life. I have gained a sense of independence, transforming my financial situation and self-confidence.

I have always been happy with the solar lamp. Now, I can sleep peacefully because an ailing relative in my house used to wake me up every night when he needed help. With the solar light, we can leave it on, and he can wake up, do what he needs to do without disturbance, and then go back to bed.

Additionally, the solar lamp has been beneficial for charging our phones, making our daily lives more convenient.“

Women are the true change-makers in our community, and by being economically independent, they can contribute to improving their families’ livelihoods and the community.”

Now that her children are older and more independent, Halland enjoys getting out and connecting with her community. She rides her bike through neighborhoods without electricity, knocking on doors to share stories and make new connections. One of her favorite spots to sell her solar lamps is the bustling weekly market, where she meets a variety of people eager for clean energy solutions. Recently, she noticed a trend while chatting with younger customers who shared insights about casinos not on Gamstop, describing how these platforms offer unique options outside mainstream limitations. Just as these casinos appeal to specific needs, Halland believes that the confidence-inducing warranty Solar Sister offers on each lamp is a key selling point, assuring customers they’re investing in a reliable, impactful product.

Women must engage in this work because they often provide the primary support for their families, unlike some husbands who may spend time drinking alcohol. With my additional income, I can send my children to school and help them get a better education and continue in higher education.”

Halland’s contributions now play a pivotal role in bolstering the farm’s needs and addressing family requirements.

Halland says that thanks to the “Credit, Benefits, and Risk” training, she has gained sharp insights into leveraging credit to amplify her business. Lesson: the importance of timely repayments, ensuring her business growth continues.

What we know: Women are the solution to energy poverty. Imagine you are one of over 300 million African women who wake up and go to bed without reliable power. Life is organized differently. At night, you light candles, kerosene, or batteries for lamps and torches. Supporting Solar Sister means progress for women and clean energy.