In Farato Village, The Gambia, a quiet but powerful shift is underway—one that’s helping an entire community reimagine how energy can be cleaner, safer, and more sustainable.
Led by Planeteer Sanna Jambang through his Season of Solutions campaign, this project set out to do something simple but impactful: educate the community on the risks of fossil fuel use, and introduce solar energy as a practical alternative. Today, that vision is no longer just an idea—it’s a working solution with real, measurable impact.
Through a series of interactive workshops, community members—many of whom had little prior exposure to solar technology—learned about the health and environmental consequences of fossil fuels, and how solar power offers a cleaner path forward.
To bring the learning to life, Sanna and his team installed a solar mini-grid system. This small-scale system powers both low- and high-voltage appliances, using a hybrid setup that delivers energy efficiently through both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). It’s now a fully functioning demonstration site where residents can see solar energy in action, ask questions, and imagine what’s possible for their own homes.
This hands-on approach not only demystified solar power—it also built technical skills. Youth and adults alike got involved in testing battery configurations, learning about inverters, and understanding how to make renewable energy work in their specific context.
Now that the system is in place and functioning, the impact is expanding. The community is already exploring solar-powered street lighting to improve safety and visibility at night. Some residents, seeing the success of the mini-grid, are considering installing small solar systems in their own homes—reducing their dependence on the unreliable national grid and taking a step toward energy independence.
This project is a clear example of how Season of Solutions supports community-led change that lasts. By focusing on education, demonstration, and practical skills, Sanna’s campaign has opened the door to cleaner energy and greater resilience in Farato Village.