In Tijuana, Mexico, the Centro Scalabrini de Formación para Migrantes (CESFOM) serves a community of migrants, refugees, and deportees striving for stability and economic independence. This nonprofit training center provides essential job training, tools, and education to individuals seeking dignified work. With 64% of its beneficiaries being women, CESFOM is a vital resource for over 1,200 people annually.
Operating such a crucial community resource incurs significant costs, including electricity bills averaging 1,410 kWh monthly. These expenses limit CESFOM’s ability to expand its services, hire additional staff, and implement new programs like literacy classes, which are desperately needed in the community.
With support from GRID Alternatives and a Flex Foundation grant, CESFOM will soon benefit from their 6.6 kW grid-tied solar system. This system will cover over 40% of their electricity needs, translating to savings of approximately $100 monthly for the next 20+ years. These savings will enable CESFOM to allocate funds toward hiring more case managers and expanding their offerings to meet the growing demand.
Beyond financial benefits, the solar installation aligns with CESFOM’s mission to promote sustainability and community empowerment. The system is projected to prevent at least 135 metric tons of carbon emissions over its lifetime—equivalent to removing 30 gasoline-powered cars from the road for a year or planting nearly 2,300 trees. This contributes to a cleaner, healthier environment for all.
The project directly benefits 374 individuals who rely on CESFOM’s job training services and indirectly impacts 2,000 more through ripple effects in the community. By integrating renewable energy into its operations, CESFOM exemplifies how sustainability and social impact go hand in hand.
This solar project not only reduces costs but also symbolizes the power of innovation and partnership in addressing social challenges. CESFOM’s efforts to provide free or low-cost services are strengthened, ensuring that marginalized communities in Tijuana continue to have access to the tools they need for economic growth and self-reliance.
Through this initiative, CESFOM reinforces its vision of building a just, equitable society where migrants and refugees can thrive, supported by clean energy and compassionate service.
Thank you, Flex Foundation, for supporting this project!
See more photos here.
