The FoRB Foundation is partnering with a team of engineering capstone students from Brigham Young University to provide reliable, off-grid electricity to a rehabilitation compound in Jos, Nigeria, operated by the Stefanos Foundation.
The Stefanos Foundation is a Christian organization dedicated to supporting survivors of trafficking, sexual violence, and religious persecution in Nigeria. Through trauma healing, skills training, and humanitarian assistance, the organization helps vulnerable individuals rebuild their lives and regain their independence.
Currently, the compound relies on a petrol generator for electricity, requiring a significant portion of the organization’s resources to be spent on fuel. To address this challenge, the BYU engineering students are developing portable battery generators that can be charged overnight, substantially reducing operating costs while providing a more reliable and sustainable source of power.
The new generators will be mobile, allowing them to be used wherever electricity is needed across the compound. They will support a wide range of activities, including powering welding equipment, sewing machines, and hair dryers, while also providing dependable energy for lighting and water pumping systems.
The FoRB Foundation has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact that violations of freedom of religion or belief can have on individuals and communities. The Foundation is proud to support the Stefanos Foundation’s efforts to empower survivors and foster self-reliance.
Beyond its impact in Jos, this project demonstrates a model that could benefit humanitarian organizations around the world. The FoRB Foundation hopes to expand similar engineering initiatives in the future, bringing sustainable energy solutions to other communities affected by persecution, displacement, and vulnerability while continuing to foster environments where survivors can thrive.