Tens of thousands of homes in Sierra Leone are not connected to the electrical grid. At night, for lighting, the families use kerosene lanterns and open-flame candles. The soot and smoke from these light sources are hazardous to their health. The flames are also a fire hazard. Develop Africa is helping to address this by providing safe, renewable, solar-powered lights that will light up an entire room. This alternative will keep the kids and youths safe as they do their homework and study.
Even homes connected to the grid are experiencing power cuts. Kerosene lanterns used in Sierra Leone are a health hazard and cause tragic fires. Doing homework using this weak and flickering light source causes eye strain and headaches. Additionally, the smoke and soot from the open flame adversely affect their lung health. The on-going fuel costs for these lanterns deplete scarce family resources. These hazardous lanterns have caused fires that have consumed homes and resulted in many deaths.
This project will provide safe, renewable solar-powered lighting - illuminating an entire room. The kids and youths will now be able to read and study safely at night - with no risk to their health and lives. The solar panel powers an LED strip that lights up an entire room. The unit also affords an added benefit - charging a cell phone. This solution will bring relief to family budgets as they no longer have to purchase consumable fossil fuels.
The project is an effective intervention that will provide a renewable light source to kids and youths as they study. It will save the families hundreds of dollars in fuel expense over 2-3 years. Additionally, we will be eliminating the potential occurrence of house fires. The children will be able to study in a safe environment. This will help them excel in their school work and further their education.
