When high school students at Cosumnes High School in Elk Grove, California, learned about WE CARE Solar from their teacher, Tim McDougal, they wanted to get involved. Jordan McDougal founded a WE CARE Solar fundraising club, and six engineering students build two solar suitcases for distribution in developing countries. The students learned to wire and assemble the portable solar electric units, which will be used to power lighting and two-way radios in health centers. Their first suitcase will be brought to Mexico to assist with a project led by One HEART to enhance maternity care for the Tarahumara Indians in Chihauhau State. The Tarahumara live in canyons deeper than the Grand Canyon, and suffer from high rates of maternal mortality. The solar suitcase will be the first step in bringing electricity to a remote village that is cut off from advanced obstetric care. An article on this high school project can be found athttp://www.sacbee.com/education/story/2316027.html?mi_rss=Education
Information about One HEART can be found at http://www.onehearttibet.org/

Elsa Leads With Her Voice When the Lights Go Out
The darkness affects everything, including communication. “In the dark, we don’t have that detailed conversation we should have,” Elsa says. “We can’t observe each other. I can’t see her expression, and she can’t see mine. Communication becomes unhealthy.”