Training Duration
Solar training lasts 15 weeks, 5 days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with three breaks (two recreations and a lunch break).
Training Curriculum
Solar training covers the assembly of electronic circuits and components, and the installation, repair, and maintenance of photovoltaic solar systems. The training modules can be summarized as follows:
- Names of tools and components used
- Association of resistor colour codes
- Calculation of resistor values
- Circuit assembly, assembly, testing, and maintenance of LED lamps
- Circuit assembly, assembly, testing and maintenance of regulators
- Circuit assembly, assembly, testing and maintenance of DIVA lanterns
- Installation of solar home lighting systems
- Assembly of the solar system for the REW
- Revision, and visit to the electrified village nearby
The Solar Master Trainers
The solar trainers are previously trained “women solar engineers”. They embark on a preparation session before exercising as trainers, for three weeks. This session is given by two preexisting “master trainers” chosen from among the most successful Solar Mamas. The session focuses on theoretical and practical reviews, and on teaching techniques.
During the training of the apprentices, for the theoretical sections, four master trainers take turns to coordinate each module per week, while the other three assist her if necessary. For the practical parts, a master trainer supervises three learners, and the trainers help each other as much as necessary.

Training Language
The “master trainers” are women who have been trained at the Barefoot College Madagascar Training Center or who were previously trained in India. Therefore, when they transfer their knowledge to other women, they do so in English for the names of tools, spare parts and components of a solar system. For resistor colour codes, English, official Malagasy and dialects are used. All other explanations are in Malagasy.
Training Methodology
According to the Barefoot College International approach, learning is based on the principle of “learning by doing” and the use of a hands-on approach. A training manual with illustrations is given to each woman at the start of the training that is easy to navigate even if she is illiterate.