Rodrigo Martinez Valdez (33) lives in Oruro in Bolivia. He became interested in renewable energies during his studies as an electrical engineer. He began to take a closer look at energy consumption at home. In doing so, he realised that high electricity consumption can also be a financial burden.
He works for a marketing agency and can work from home. This allows him to help his mother at home and to look after his grandmother with her – as all three live in the same house. He is currently attending a course on renewable energies, where he will receive a recognised certificate on completion. He usually studies for the course in the evening and at night. He developed a passion for sharing knowledge from an early age, as both his parents are teachers. He has been living this passion for many years with the Scouts.
“My mum has always supported my activities with the Scouts. She also saw how much I enjoyed working with renewable energies. She gave me the idea of bringing these two interests together” says Rodrigo. No sooner said than done. He was soon appointed responsible for the Scouts go Solar programme in the province of Oruro. He uses the programme to spread information and awareness about solar energy. In this way, he is working towards a sustainable future. He is currently preparing solar energy workshops for the national scout camp Jamboree Bolivia at the end of the year. Between 800 and 1000 scouts from all over the country are expected to attend.
At the beginning of November, Rodrigo took part in the Scouts go Solar regional training programme in Bolivia. During this training, 14 scout leaders from various countries in Latin and North America were trained as solar ambassadors. They are now spreading the word about solar energy in their home countries.
“I have no doubt that I will continue with Scouts go Solar for a long time to come. Perhaps my passion for teaching and my interest in renewable energies have come together at Scouts go Solar to do something bigger with it” he says.
