Elton Basilian and his mother Gwanta along with the rest of the family. Elton and his family have a house with good security and a 500-watt solar power system. This system allows for them to run the lights and TV in the house but no other high wattage things like microwaves and refrigerators.

Through this interview I learned that many people have small solar power systems ranging in size room 100 watts to 600 watts. The common theme is that people put these in to be able to do things after dark, for light bulbs, charging phones and TV. Many families don’t have a system big enough to run a TV. Buying solar power systems is straightforward in Goma, there is a central place to buy them and they are reasonably priced and they install them as well.

This family was really interesting to talk with, they were curious about the United States because they never hear anything about the United States. They have no preconceived ideas about the US, they were more interested in learning if people had the same struggles as they did. This family had worked very hard to get into and rent a home that looks like a traditional home in the united states, however their home is the only one like it in a half a mile radius. Most other homes were very small and very simple. The mother was very proud of her family and made sure they went to school and her biggest concern about power is tied to being able to do more for her family like iron their clothes and a refrigerator so they could keep foods fresh. The picture attached is of this family.

Brian
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

Life is a gift. Living is a choice.