Profiles in Regeneration: Patience, 24, Ghana
I believe that, every woman, including rural women and women in local communities, deserve to have the access to clean energy for domestic and commercial purposes.
Patience Alifo, 24, is working to solve three major issues in Ghana with one project: clean energy, unemployment, and women’s empowerment. The project, Greenfuel Innovation provide Africans with access to clean energy for domestic and commercial purposes. And to do that, she wants to train 5,000 women over the next two years.
Regenerative Futures: How are you feeling right now?
Patience Alifo: I am feeling positive.
RF: What’s a secret your search history can tell us about you?
PA: 1. Greenfuel Innovation Africa. 2. Country Representative of African Circular Economy Network. 3. Eco — Friendly Charcoal Briquette.
RF: What are you reading/learning about at the moment?
PA: Project Management, Renewable Energy, and Social Impact.
RF: Who is your favorite human and why?
PA:I currently have three favorite humans.
First, Rev. Dr. Chris Oyakhilome. He is my favorite human because, I really love how bold, consistent, and courageous he is. He has natured and trained leaders all around the world to make positive change and impact.
Second, Professor Fred Mcbagonluri. He is my favorite because, he is an inventor, novelist, educator, and innovator. He is passionate about educating young people in Africa to have an innovative mindset to build the economy of Africa. He inspires me to have the right vision of impact for Greenfuel Innovation Africa.
Third, Dr. Daniel Mckorley. He is the founder and chief executive officer of McDan Group of Companies. He is one of my favorites because he is passionate about grooming young entrepreneurs in Ghana. He organizes pitch competitions for young people in Ghana where the finalists are given the opportunity to grow their capacity through funding, mentorship, and exposure. The pitch competition is called McDan Entrepreneurship Challenge.
RF: Which key moment inspired you to start your project?
PA: I watched a documentary project on the causes and negative effects of deforestation in Africa. After watching the documentary, I was challenged in my mind to create a solution to this problem. One of the main reasons I decided to create a solution is because of rural women’s struggle to have access to clean energy for domestic purposes in the documentary. Due to their struggle, they decided to use wood fuel as energy and it results in deforestation and carbon emission without their knowledge.
RF: In two years' time, what would success with your project look like?
PA: In two years' time, my project, Greenfuel Innovation Africa, would be able to train not less than 50 women in different local and rural communities in Ghana how to produce clean energy from agricultural wastes. It would also give them the means to generate income for their family by employing them in Greenfuel Innovation Africa.
RF: If you could focus a large percentage of government funding on one industry or project for the next five to ten years, which you choose and why?
PA: I will choose the Renewable Energy Industry and also my project, Greenfuel Innovation Africa. This is because, I believe that, every woman, including rural women and women in local communities, deserves to have the access to clean energy for domestic and commercial purposes. With this, deforestation would be minimized in Ghana and Africa. Women in rural areas would also not have to suffer from the sicknesses derived from the smoke.
RF: What is the best and worst thing about the education system in your country?
PA: The best thing about education in Ghana is that the system is currently free for senior high schools, government primary, and junior high schools. The worst things about education in Ghana are that curriculum activities are more theoretical than practical, universities are expensive, law schools do not admit many students, and there are few group studies.
RF: Do you have a message for anyone your age living in the year 2060?
PA: Young people are the next big change vessels for the years ahead. I believe young peoples’ voices will be heard even more in the years ahead. I want every young person reading this to be bold and courageous to stand for what is right. They shouldn’t be timid or intimidated to speak the truth.
RF: What inspires or frightens you most about the future?
PA: I am so inspired about the future. Many people are looking for the opportunity to make a positive impact in the world and I am inspired to be one of the people in the world who is ready to make a positive impact in the lives of women in Africa.
RF: Regeneration is…
PA: Developing new technology and innovations to curb global problems that will highly benefit young people around the world.
To learn more about Regenerative List finalist, Patience Alifo, click here.
