Life was pretty bleak for Amanuel Kusiya and his community in Teltele woreda, Borana.  Upon graduating, Amanuel found himself jobless, despite being talented and willing to work.  To make matters worst, his village had little access to electricity making even something like his phone,  a useless brick. “… connecting with friends was a struggle,” says Amanuel. Charging his phone meant a trek to a distant town, a constant drain on time and resources. This frustration fueled a dream – a solar-powered internet business that would bridge the information gap he himself experienced.

Then came a spark of hope – the Powerblox (PBX), a solar innovation that arrived like a knight in shining armor. Over the past eight months, Amanuel and his community, the Charika Mini Grid Micro and Small Enterprise, have transformed from survivors to change-makers.

The PBX-200 wasn’t just another solar product. For Amanuel and his community, primarily cattle herders and farmers, it was a revelation. “This is the first time witnessing a quality product, which changed their and their family lives and the community lifestyle quickly and at this level,” says someone involved. This high-quality technology wasn’t just lighting homes; it was illuminating a path towards a brighter future.

Today, Amanuel and his team are an important beating heart for their community. Their business provides lighting to three restaurants and 35 households, their mobile charging service keeps everyone connected (averaging 20 charges a day!), and they’ve even installed a free streetlamp, turning their business area into a haven for evening gatherings.

The impact goes beyond convenience. With reliable electricity, Amanuel, Charika, and Kusiya (who collectively support 16 people) can finally dream of financial security. Gone are the days of selling assets just to survive. Now, they’re building emergency funds and planning for the future.