Bringing Light to the Wayuu: A Journey of Hope and Sustainability
- Katarzyna Michalik
- Jul 5, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 18, 2024

As I launch this website and this business that I hope will lead me to amazing things and growth, I reflect on a moment in my life that inspired me to pursue this venture a year ago.
In July 2023 I stepped onto a plane and embarked on a life-changing journey with a group of dedicated individuals, all united by a common mission: to bring sustainable energy to those in need. Thanks to the GivePower Foundation; a nonprofit organization committed to providing clean energy solutions to communities around the world, and my then job, I departed toward Colombia.
At the time, the company I was working for partnered with GivePower to support their efforts in various countries around the world with extremely limited resources. Our group was invited to the Wayuu community, located in the remote and arid region of Irraipa. The Wayuu people faced immense challenges, living without basic necessities like clean water, bathrooms, and electricity. This lack of infrastructure made daily life incredibly difficult and limited their opportunities for growth, development, and access to a healthy life.
Our project aimed to change that by installing solar panels in the village, providing the Wayuu community with reliable access to electricity for the first time. We powered a school and provided freezers and refrigerators, enabling the community to store food safely, reduce spoilage, and create opportunities for additional income.
For four days, we worked tirelessly, digging trenches and connecting with the Wayuu people, learning about their rich traditions and culture. We slept in hammocks, ate traditional food, participated in vibrant dances, and learned about the day-to-day work of the Wayuu community members. The Wayuu people shared their generational stories and taught us the importance of their cultural heritage.
Over the course of four days, we put in a lot of effort, digging trenches and engaging with the Wayuu community to explore their deep-rooted traditions and culture. Our nights were spent in hammocks, enjoying their traditional cuisine, joining in lively dances, and gaining insight into the daily routines of the Wayuu people. Throughout our time there, the Wayuu community generously shared their ancestral tales and emphasized the significance of their cultural legacy.
The picture on my home page, and many others throughout were taken by the amazing photographer Álvaro Salamanca Balen. The homepage photo captures a moment from that transformative trip, symbolizing the collective effort and hope we brought to the Wayuu people. It serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we come together to support sustainable solutions and create positive change in the world.
I am excited to see where this takes me and welcome you to embark on this journey to a sustainable future, so together, we can make a change.
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