Climate Curve

Barefoot College International (BCI)

Org Type

Nonprofit

Year Founded

2015

Winner or Finalist

2026 Winner

Primary Project Category:

Secondary Project Category:

How Project Affects Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions:

['Replaces/avoids GHGs (e.g., projects that replace sources of GHGs, such as the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, transport, or other energy uses)', 'Reduces GHGs (e.g., projects that reduce sources of GHGs, such as through efficiency or other changes in consumption)']

Impact on Underrepresented Groups:

BCI’s work is explicitly designed to empower underrepresented groups in the climate movement and formal energy systems—notably rural women, indigenous women, and climate-vulnerable low-income communities. Women are at the center of BCI’s model: they are trained exclusively as Solar Engineers, educators, and entrepreneurs, positioning them as technical authorities rather than passive beneficiaries. This is significant in rural contexts where women experience severe impacts of energy poverty and climate change, whilst also facing systemic barriers to education, income, and decision-making.

BCI equips women with solar technology and tools, and with the skills to install, maintain, and manage clean energy systems for their community. Training extends beyond electrification to include education delivery, livelihood development, and entrepreneurship, enabling women to translate energy access into long-term economic agency. Programs are deliberately customizable, allowing communities—led by women—to select livelihood pathways aligned with local culture, ecology, and needs.

Crucially, BCI’s model emphasizes ownership and self-sufficiency. Women retain control over the skills, infrastructure, and revenue generated, ensuring empowerment persists after project completion. Many graduates go on to become trainers themselves, multiplying impact across regions. Internally, BCI reflects these values: women—predominantly from the regions served—hold senior leadership, technical, and implementation roles, ensuring lived experience informs organizational decision-making.

Website:

https://www.barefootcollege.org/

Mission Statement:

Barefoot College International empowers rural and marginalized communities—especially women—by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and tools to deliver clean energy, education, and livelihood solutions, enabling long-term self-sufficiency, gender equity, and community-led development.

Link: Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/barefootcollege/