NAIT Ooks women's hockey player Cheyenna Harden recently embarked on a life-changing journey to Peru, combining her passion for athletics with a dedication to making a positive impact. Harden, a third-year student-athlete entering her fourth year, traveled to Peru for her Global Energy Issues and Intercultural Competency class. The trip was organized in collaboration with the Light Up the World (LUTW) organization.

The mission took Harden and her classmates to the remote community of Santa Rosa, perched at an altitude of 4500 meters. There, they worked tirelessly to bring clean energy and internet access to the residents, transforming lives and fostering community resilience.

"Working with LUTW, we installed solar power systems and provided WiFi to Santa Rosa," Harden shared. "Communicating with community members was challenging at times since they spoke Spanish or Quechua, but their warmth and gratitude made the experience incredibly rewarding. Laughter often bridged the language gap, and the community's hospitality was overwhelming."

The LUTW organization focuses on empowering off-grid communities by installing photovoltaic systems with integrated internet access. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life in remote areas, ensuring that these communities, often within the "last mile" where the electrical grid is unlikely to reach, can thrive independently. The systems installed are designed to meet the community's energy needs for decades, utilizing the latest technology and high-quality equipment in partnership with university partners like NAIT.

"Our project culminated in a celebration where community members from all around gathered to help and rejoice in our achievements," Harden recalled. "It was a profound reminder of the power of teamwork and the impact of sustainable energy solutions."

Harden's experience in Peru exemplifies the values of the NAIT Ooks—dedication, community spirit, and the drive to make a difference.