Africavenir Team

Aline De Leener, Amandine Hourt, Andrea Rudin Montes de Oca, Hippolyt Fogaing, Jean Bosco Utuba, Kayergué Koulibaly, Tony Kouteh
 

Seven online volunteers, experts in electrical engineering, life sciences and international commerce, helped the Benin-based NGO Africavenir materialize the idea of turning pig waste into energy. The project addresses the contamination of groundwater and the emission of greenhouse gases and odours through pig breeding, while at the same time producing environmentally-friendly electricity from a renewable energy source.

Working closely together, the team first developed the project outline that determines the project stages and tasks. Then they produced the technical project document, comprising an analysis of the characteristics of biogas, the environmental impact, various processing requirements, cost estimates, etc. Through Internet research, the volunteers identified the type of generator that was needed and located a potential supplier in China.

The project document was published in a collection of research projects about biogas production and use in West Africa as well as on an international knowledge and resource-sharing platform for renewable energy. Several companies have already demonstrated interest in investing in the project. In parallel, Africavenir is engaged in negotiations with the supplier of the generator in China. “Through the collaboration with the online volunteers, we learned about the complexity of such a project, the range of tasks and activities involved and the necessary elements to be covered by the project document,” says Megan Stanislaus Afan, the director of Africavenir.

Andrea Rudin, Costa Rica: “I am an engineer and I am very passionate about renewable energy. I am someone who had the chance to be able to study to make a better future for myself, and I believe that I should give something back to society. At present my job and responsibilities do not permit me to work abroad as a volunteer, so online opportunities are perfect for me.”

Fogaing Hippolyt, Cameroon: “I hold an Advanced Technical Diploma in Electrical Engineering, and I wanted to learn more about this form of renewable energy. The relationship between the members of the team was very pleasant and friendly. I have learned a lot on all levels, strengthening my managerial, training and development project management skills, amongst others."

Koulibaly Kayergue, Ivory Coast: "I started volunteering online during my studies for a Doctorate (PhD) in Political Science with International and European Relations. This project really promises a better future for Africa, which was why I chose to get involved with Africavenir.”