Current Project for 2011 includes:
The Akwa Ibom Green Energy Project (AIGEP)
AIGEP is a comprehensive program that promotes sustainable resource use and education in the Ikot Usen region of the Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. Curriculum development: In coordination with the Akwa Ibom Minister of Education, the Ikot Usen Secondary School Principal, and Ikot Usen Village Chiefs, PoNA is working to inc
orporate green energy coursework into the secondary school curriculum. Many brilliant and well-educated young minds lay fallow after secondary school due to lack of funds and opportunities. This curriculum development will allow for a sense of stewardship and provide opportunities within the village for advancing ones skills in alternative energy technologies, resource-sustainable engineering, and permaculture practices.
2. Student Exchange Program: PoNA aims to bring three recently graduated secondary school youth from Ikot Usen to the Bay Area to be trained in concepts and application of self sustaining renewable energy sources, including technologies related to solar power, wind power, water resource management, and waste management, at the Solar Living Institute (SLI). In addition, three Bay Area youth, chosen from a group of Western Addition and Bayview-Hunter’s Point applicants, will receive this training in conjunction with the Nigerian youth. After the coursework and training is completed, the six youth will travel to Ikot Usen and begin application of their new skills, accompanied by an instructor from the SLI and two members of PoNA.
3. School Construction: As requested by the school principal, PoNA aims to complete the construction of the library/computer room in Ikot Usen Secondary School, as well as supplying additional computers. Providing student access to computers will enable students to obtain relevant information to current ideas and technology associated with self-sustaining technology concepts.
4. Well Construction: PoNA plans to construct a deep well for the village, with free access to water for all. The village is fortunate to have three springs that have provided ample water to everyone for centuries; however, recent private shallow wells have resulted in one of the springs turning into a mud flat and fertile breeding grounds for malaria mosquitoes. In addition, the most abundant spring is starting to recede and the third spring is difficult to access and not a practical drinking water alternative for the village. The well construction project will incorporate a community-based planning process and renewable energy as a power source for the pumps.
5. Sustainable Energy Source: PoNA aims to establish a self-sustaining source of energy and create a more reliable energy infrastructure in the village. Currently, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN, previously NEPA) has wires to the village, but service is unpredictable and inconsistent.
