At Sojourn Project II, we are dedicated to creating transformative change through research and community empowerment. Our founders, Dr. Hasan and Kimberly Crockett, established the Center for International Education, Innovation and Research with a mission to address critical issues in underserved communities. One of our landmark initiatives, the Solar Utility Research Project, focused on the Sounderwater Community in Gauteng province, South Africa, an informal settlement of six thousand residents lacking running water and electricity.
In 2014, the Center for International Education, Innovation and Research conducted an extensive study on the impacts of living in townships without electricity. Our research culminated in the publication of a pivotal report for the Gauteng government titled “Electrifying Ward 28 Energy Democracy: A Survey of Energy Usage and Behavior in Ward 28 Emfuleni Municipality Gauteng Province South Africa.” This report provided crucial insights into energy usage and behavior, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions.
Through this project, we not only brought attention to the energy challenges faced by the Sounderwater Community but also contributed to the broader discourse on energy democracy and sustainability in South Africa. “Our work continues to inspire and drive efforts towards equitable and innovative solutions for communities in need.”