By Sylvester Renner | Project Leader
Recently a news article caught my attention that I would like to share with you. The article focuses on the effectiveness and cost savings of solar lanterns - which is one of the areas that this project focuses on.
With regards to lighting, these are 2 two considerations - cost savings and safety. The article Solar Powered Lanterns Change the Face of Rural Arusha - explains that the solar lanterns offer a significant cost savings. Imagine having one of your utility bills being significantly reduced. Additionally, the articles states that the "fires caused by kerosene lamps and candles have been claiming lives and destroying property in many parts of East Africa and solar charged lanterns can alleviate the problem." I can personally attest to the dangers of kerosene lanterns. While I have fortunately not experienced any related loss, I have talked to several people who have lost friends and family members and property as a result of fuel-related fires.
Lights are definitely in demand as you can see from this 2nd article Lighting up lives: African women train as “barefoot” solar engineers. The articles states that "many live in villages without any electricity at all, where kerosene usage is high. Yet kerosene is not a sustainable resource, nor is it cheap or healthy. Barefoot College estimates that the initiative now saves around 160,000 litres of kerosene a month across South America, Africa and Asia."
These articles confirm the validity of this project and lights are warmly welcomed in Africa. In the included photo, you can see one of the lights that we will be shipping out soon.
We welcome your support as we provide these cost-saving, life-saving and property-saving lights!
Thanks so much for your support!
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