Project Launch: Bio Briquettes with the Purple Ray
A new collaboration with The Purple Ray: Bio Briquettes! This initiative is set to make a significant impact on the lives of many by providing a sustainable and affordable alternative energy source to the poor and peri-urban households in the Rukungiri district, Uganda.
TGE’s newest partner, The Purple Ray, an organization dedicated to Positive Youth Development (PYD), will use this project to empower underprivileged youth and foster community growth. The Purple Ray is committed to empowering underprivileged youth by engaging stakeholders in promoting PYD. Their latest project focuses on creating and promoting the use of bio briquettes, which offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution for cooking needs. This initiative will help reduce tree cutting and offer a more affordable energy source for those who need it most.
Beneficiaries and Action Plan
The project will directly benefit 50 unemployed youth (25 male and 25 female) by providing them with training in bio briquette production. These young individuals will gain valuable skills and earn income from the sale of the briquettes, promoting self-sufficiency and economic stability. The project plan includes:
1. Purchasing production equipment and renting expanded workspace to meet the growing demand.
2. Recruiting and training more unemployed youth in briquette production.
3. Deploying a team to educate households, institutions, and market vendors about the benefits of using briquettes.
Bio briquettes will be sold both on order and on a drop-in basis, with 40% of revenues covering labor costs and 60% reinvested into business growth and organizational support. The youth involved will receive basic pay and commission based on sales, encouraging continuous engagement and production.
This structured approach ensures that the youth involved in production earn slightly more due to the complex processes, while marketers have the potential to earn beyond their basic pay through commissions.
Community and Environmental Benefits
The recent charcoal ban in Uganda has highlighted the urgent need for alternative cooking fuels. With charcoal prices soaring, bio briquettes offer a much-needed solution. They are not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly, producing minimal smoke and helping to preserve the country's forests. This project aims to extend its reach to neighboring districts, increasing its positive impact.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The success of this project will be measured by:
· The number of unemployed youth recruited and trained.
· The number of households purchasing and using briquettes.
· The total quantity of briquettes produced and sold monthly.
· The total monthly revenue generated.
· The number of community education sessions conducted.
· The average money saved by households using briquettes instead of traditional fuels.
We are excited to embark on this journey with The Purple Ray and look forward to the positive changes this project will bring to the communities in Rukungiri district. Together, we can foster sustainable development and empower the next generation.