If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go with someone

Impossible things, by putting your all into it, really all, can also become possible. In June of last year, there was talk of the refrigerator project powered by photovoltaic energy. A technical experimentation of great interest where the sun abounds much more than mains electricity. Especially for the innovative eutectic solution of accumulation of cold through walls of ice, which entirely cover the internal surface; ensuring a long autonomy even in the absence of available energy, at night for example.

But, in addition to the necessary technical value, a project feeds on relationships. And in these intense months there has been a beautiful story to tell. Africa moves, aware and proud, one step at a time; a long way to go, but it's in motion, and it won't stop anyway either. Our Brothers of the Holy Family, in Chieri (Turin) and in Burkina Faso, are certainly part of this, with their network of communities, schools and vocational training centres. Their role in the project is central: from testing the prototypes on site, to allow for the most appropriate product to be found for local needs, to proactively accepting a transfer of new and not insignificant skills, to arrive at configuring nothing less than a small-scale production. Everyone's activity was tiring, and quite tight due to the times and all sorts of inconveniences - between the pandemic and logistical and supply chaos. But with an exceptional teamwork of local volunteers, Italian Brothers of the Holy Family and Burkinabé teachers, the outcome exceeded our wildest expectations: the realization is a valid and suitable device – 7 of those produced here so far, of which 5 sent as well as 2 complete kits to be assembled – and production has now started in Burkina, at the Saaba Center, in a specifically equipped laboratory.

Sharing and exchanging experiences without preclusions were once again the success factors. On the one hand, in addition to the implementation, the documentation was thoroughly taken care of through accurate video tutorials, in French. Then, in addition to the regular video meetings, the teachers Valèry and Saturnin managed to come to the Sermig Global Village in Cumiana for 30 days of training, equal to 165 hours, building two fridges together to remain concrete and effective.

We don't stop here. A project is also an opportunity to grow relationships. In the matured spirit of communion, other interesting adventures have already begun: the collaboration for the solar thermal incubator project, the expansion of a plastic recovery and recycling initiative in Burkina; the exchange of experiences and technical achievements in support of an FSF agricultural school project in northern Ghana, to improve the productivity of local families and train their young people.

So we went together, and we trust to go far. With pleasure...

Mauro Palombo

NP Agosto-Settembre 2022