The Energy Globe Award

Powering Potential, Inc (PPI) is pleased to announce that our Raspberry Pi Computer Lab program has received the 2017 Energy Globe National Award for Best Project in the United Republic of Tanzania!

The Energy Globe Award is the world's most prestigious environmental prize, with 178 participating countries and over 2000 annual project submissions. Each year, the Energy Globe Foundation recognizes projects at the regional, national, and international level for their resource conservation, sustainability, and social benefit.

Energy Globe's goal is to increase global awareness of sustainable, universally-applicable solutions to pressing environmental and social issues, and to encourage the international population to get involved in this important work in any way they can.

PPI's innovative Raspberry Pi Computer Lab project utilizes sustainable solar energy to improve youth education in Tanzania's low-socioeconomic rural areas by providing educational resources and offline digital libraries.

Additionally, PPI's use of open-source software ensures that future generations will not be burdened with the egregious expense of upgrading proprietary programs.

Energy Globe's official assessment of Powering Potential's Raspberry Pi program was as follows:

"Education is essential for a good life standard. The lack of learning material leads to a high NEET rate. This project helps to increase the opportunities for economic progression, it has improved students' learning outcomes and provided communities with a more optimistic set of expectations for their children's future."

o o o 

Swahili is the language of Tanzania. The following African proverbs are another taste of the beautiful language:

Aliye na hamu ya kupanda juu hukesha.

A person who desires to rise must stay awake.
Baada ya dhiki faraja.
After hardship comes relief.

Powering Our Programs: Spring Fundraiser @ Tufenkian

Earlier this month, on May 19th, Powering Potential Inc. held its annual spring fundraiser. 39 people in total showed up to show their support for Powering Potential's important development work and 18 people contributed even though they could not attend the event.

This year's venue was the Tufenkian Artisan Carpets showroom, an elegant and spacious space populated with high-end carpets. Big thanks to them for their generosity.

Food and entertainment were provided by Curious on Tanzania. After a brief update on Powering Potential's recent accomplishments, guests enjoyed traditional Tanzanian music, food, and dancing. 

We also hosted a silent auction featuring a wine tasting class by Corks on Columbus, as well as traditional Tanzanian bracelets, necklaces, and fabrics.

Other donors included Curcio & Cohen, Xeniapp, Lyric Chamber Music Society, Serena Hotels, and more. We couldn't have done this without their collective support, so send them some positive energy on our behalf. Thanks, donors!

Also a huge thanks to our super-official Certificate of Appreciation recipients Henry Seggerman and Georgia Allen. These two have been an incredible resource for Powering Potential in several different ways, from helping us find grants, editing videos, organizing events, bartending, and introducing us to valuable contacts. Their work makes our work possible.

Left to right: Henry Seggerman, Denis Petrov, Georgia Allen, and Janice Lathen

And HUGE SUPER EXTRA-SPECIAL KUDOS for Denis Petrov, longtime friend of Powering Potential. Denis has been with us since the start, providing insight and expert guidance every step of the way. He served as a member of Powering Potential's board until stepping down in March of this year. We presented him with a commemorative plaque to show our appreciation for his caring and committed service.

Thankfully, he will continue on as an adviser. Thanks, Denis! Nobody could ever replace you!

So I'm sure you're wondering: how did Powering Potential do, income-wise? Well, we're pleased to say that, after expenses, we raised +$19,400! Special thanks to Barry Segal for his continuing generosity.

As always, we are humbled and thankful for the generosity of our supporters. This money is destined to make a positive difference in the lives of Tanzania's most vulnerable populations. Thank you!

o o o 

Swahili is the language of Tanzania. The following African proverbs are another taste of the beautiful language:

Heri yako heri yangu.

Your happiness is my happiness.

Bega kwa bega.
Shoulder to Shoulder.