Barefoot College International (BCI) is a not-for-profit Social Enterprise that catalyses solutions to the challenges facing rural poor communities with the objective of making them self-sufficient and sustainable. Founded originally in India, our mission echoes the lifestyle and work style of Mahatma Gandhi.

It is today guided by our CEO Rodrigo Paris who together with a diverse and dynamic team of international grassroots social innovators from a wide range of backgrounds, is taking this exceptional organization into the future. BCI now fully operates out of 6 global training centres, that aim to decentralise its model to reduce carbon emissions and ensure a safe, comfortable learning experience for the women trainees.

In the 93 countries we currently work in and counting, we are dedicated to crafting dynamic partnerships that lead to impact for communities. The ‘Barefoot Solutions’ can be broadly categorized into Solar Electrification, Clean Water, Sustainable Agriculture, Enriche and Women’s Wellness Development. Foremost, BCI is committed to Empowering Women as change agents, entrepreneurs and environmental stewards.

Barefoot College Zanzibar, a branch of BCI, has been placing women at the heart of bringing light to their communities, creating a place of learning, discovery and economic mobility for rural women. It is a centre where indigenous wisdom and skills are celebrated and valued.

As of 2022, more than 450 rural women in Zanzibar and Tanzania have been trained in solar engineering, beekeeping, sewing, financial inclusion, digital skills, nutrition and sexual health. Thanks to these incredible women, more than 1250 rural households have been solar electrified. These solar systems provide access to clean, reliable energy for more than 8500 people on the island.

You can support our global work here