The initiative started in Ifaty, a village in South Madagascar. Ifaty has no connection to electricity and has a population of more than 15,000 people. The government of Madagascar has no plans to install an electricity grid nearby before a 2040 -2050 timeframe. ToughStuff saw an opportunity to launch a project for the distribution of solar lights to the residents of the village. The Village Entrepreneur program leverages the microfinance model to encourage independence and self reliance.

How the model works:

ToughStuff collaborates with small shops and loans them solar lights as part of their "business in a box" program. The small shop owners rent the solar lights to the residents of the village for $1 bi-weekly with charging and service included for the life of the contract. Residents of the village can rent and return the solar lights from the shop owners as often as needed. Alternatively, after ten months the solar light will be given to the resident with charging and service available bi-weekly as before.

Benefits:

ToughStuff provides very affordable solar-powered products for those living off grid, replacing expensive and environmentally damaging alternatives. Their work:

• Eliminates the environmental damage caused by burning kerosene and discarding batteries
• Enhances health, education and living standards
• Creates micro-enterprise employment