The Sister Cooperative Partnership Program allows U.S. member cooperatives to befriend and mentor an overseas rural electric organization. The U.S. co-ops provide technical assistance, training, and even donated vehicles, equipment and materials – all towards helping their overseas sister improve safety and services to its members.

“We made friends instead of just learning.” That’s what the communications’ director of a Costa Rica co-op said after she and a group of directors visited their sister co-op Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative, of North Carolina. This partnership was originally formed in 1963 and continues strong to this day. Currently, the Costa Rica cooperative, Coopesantos, is working to incorporate alternative power generation and visited Carteret-Craven to study issues related to strategic planning, finance and logistics.

The program strives to make a real difference and positive impact in the overseas utility. U.S. cooperatives commit time and resources to help ensure goals and objectives are met.

The Sister Cooperative Partnership is much more than just the transfer of knowledge, and donation of resources. “It’s a life-changing experience – seeing others do so much with so little and being able to help them help themselves.” David George, Kandihoyi Power Cooperative and sister to Municipality of Zacapa, Guatemala.

There are active partnerships in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Haiti, and Philippines. In each case, the two co-ops identified the priorities and resources it would take to accomplish, and are working towards specific goals. Each one of these partnerships is helping electrify the world, one village at a time.

Please consider making a donation to help continue these exchanges of friendship and knowledge.