Exclusive Interview with EarthSpark CEO and Founder Dan Schnitzer

Somerville, MA

About Me: I've been a volunteer with EarthSpark International since 2008. Although I'm officially trained as a energy systems engineer, I've been involved in many aspects of EarthSpark's operations, including writing grant applications and helping with organizational duties. In August, I was in Haiti conducting trainings for local technicians on how to install solar home systems. Since then, the Les Anglais Clean Energy Store (Magazen Eneji Pwop)has sold and installed dozens of the systems on the southern peninsula. In addition to my work with EarthSpark in Haiti, I've been learning Haitian Creole and learning more about Haiti (just finished Tracy Kidder's "Mountains Beyond Mountains" which was fascinating!). I'm reaching out to my friends, family, and colleagues to support our solar lamp distribution efforts in the most devastated parts of Haiti. The impact of the January Earthquake was enormous and over a million people remain homeless. These solar lamps will be distributed to the families in the most need for use in security, tent lighting, and walking around at night.

The earthquake in Haiti has displaced hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom now live huddled together under tarps and tents. Nearly five months after the earthquake, streetlights remain in disrepair and the electrical grid is without much power. The lack of lighting in housing camps exacerbates an already fragile security situation. Women in these camps feel unsafe walking at night, as rape and incidents of physical abuse are rising in number. Community groups in these areas-- labeled “red zones” by international groups shortly after the earthquake-- are only now being approached by relief organizations to improve aid distribution and post-earthquake reconstruction. Citizen Effect is working with Earthspark International to distribute solar-powered lamps to women in these camps, harnessing local community groups to prioritize distribution to those most in need. The initiative focuses on camps located in Cité Soleil, one of the poorest slums in Port-au-Prince and a red zone in which more than half the population feels unsafe at night. Providing adequate lighting for the women of Cité Soleil and greater Port-au-Prince will make it safer for them to travel at night by reducing the possibility of physical abuse from nightly attackers. In addition, female survivors of the earthquake to can be empowered to organize patrols to protect themselves and their families with light from their solar lamps. Peter is committed to helping the women of Cité Soliel by providing them with the ability to read, work, and conduct activities after sunset with safety and comfort. Peter has pledged to provide 95 solar powered lamps to women in need. As one of the camp residents, Madame Pierre, related to EarthSpark: “The lamp is very useful. I use it when I need to go out at night.” Donate to Peter’s project today and help provide 95 women of Port-au-Prince with a clean and reliable source of light and power.

go to project page