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From Setbacks to Success
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From Setbacks to Success: How Our Eco-Charcoal Dryer Came to Life.
For five years, we faced a significant challenge that threatened the heart of our eco-charcoal production — drying. During the dry season, it took over a week to dry properly our charcoal, and in the rainy season, it was even worse. The constant struggle to keep the process efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly seemed impossible. However, we were determined to find a solution.
After much brainstorming, we came up with an idea that could revolutionize the way we dried our eco-charcoal: a solar dryer. With limited resources, we decided to build it ourselves. We used repurposed greenhouse plastic, wire mesh, and timber. It was a leap of faith, we were willing to take.
A Setback Like No Other: Vandalism and Termite Infestation
The excitement of creating our solar dryer, however, was short-lived. As soon as it was set up, it became the target of vandalism. Children from the neighborhood, unaware of the effort and resources we had poured into it, tore through the plastic, leaving large, unsightly gashes. I will never forget standing there, staring at the damage with tears welling up in my eyes. Our hard-earned funds, which we had gathered through every means possible, seemed to slip away before my very eyes.
Just when we thought things could not get worse, termites began attacking the timber structure at an alarming rate. The infestation spread quickly, undermining the stability of the dryer and leaving it on the brink of collapse. It felt like we were fighting a battle on all fronts, and at times, it seemed like there was no way forward.
A Lifeline From Friends: The GoFundMe Campaign
Nevertheless, just as hope seemed lost, we found unexpected support. A group of friends, seeing the struggle we were facing, came together to help. They launched a GoFundMe campaign on our behalf, raising funds to help us rebuild. Their generosity was a lifeline at a time when we desperately needed it.
With this support, we were able to construct a metallic dryer prototype, a much sturdier and more reliable solution. This new dryer has been a game-changer, allowing us to dry up to 90 honeycomb briquettes in a single day. While it is significantly more efficient than the original solar dryer, it currently consumes a lot of electricity. But we are far from done. Our ultimate goal is to transition this dryer into a solar-powered model, which will reduce its energy consumption and align better with our commitment to sustainability.
What’s Next? A Brighter, Greener Future
While there is still work to be done, we are incredibly grateful for the support we have received along this journey. The road to where we are today has been filled with challenges, but each one has brought us closer to our goal: to make eco-charcoal production more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
We are hopeful about the future. The metallic dryer is just the beginning, and we are exploring ways to further reduce energy consumption, eventually bringing our solar dryer back to life — this time, stronger than ever.
Thank You for Your Support
To everyone who has supported us, whether through donations, encouragement, or simply spreading the word about our mission — THANK YOU! Your support has been transformative, not only for us but for the environment as well. We are now able to continue producing eco-charcoal in a more sustainable way, and it is all thanks to you.
Together, we are making a positive impact, and we could not be more grateful. As we continue on this journey, we look forward to the next steps, knowing that with your help, we can create a greener, more sustainable future — one briquette at a time.
With Gratitude and Hope,
Irene Namaganda
Founder, EASE
P.S. If you are inspired by our story and want to support the next phase of our journey, we welcome your help in any form. Whether it is through donations, sharing our story, or offering innovative ideas for energy-efficient drying, every little bit counts. Together, we can make the world a cleaner, greener place for generations to come.
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EASE’s ERR Program continues to light the way for families in dire circumstances. To extend this support to others in need, consider contributing to our cause.
