Johnny Weiss, retired Co-Founder and newest board member, is currently in Tanzania working
with SEI alum, Lukas Kariongi, in developing local solar capacity.
In 1997, was an eager young Maasai from East Africa who traveled to SEI to be trained as a
solar technician. He attended as a tuition scholarship student. His participation was initiated and
sponsored by Dave Berger, a fellow SEI alum.

For nearly twenty years, Lukas has been working to fulfill his goal of solarizing his home village
of Terat, Tanzania. Now a progressive village leader, he recently started and is the Managing
Director of the Rural Community Support Organization (RUCOSUO), a community-based NGO
focused on solar development.

Johnny has been volunteering and helping Lukas develop his organization and solar projects. SEI
is continuing Johnny’s worthwhile grass-roots efforts through SEI’s Outreach Programs.
Additionally, SEI is selling beautiful beaded jewelry made by artisans in the Women’s
Cooperative in Terrat Village. All proceeds will be used by the women to help solar power their
homes and community.