By Portable Solar Lantern Program | Project Leader
Dear friends and family,
On behalf of the entire team at Halt Poverty, thank you for your generous support of Safe Nights and Good Light in the Village. Your gifts are putting solar lanterns into the hands of families across rural Madagascar — replacing dangerous, polluting kerosene light with clean, free energy. This report shares how your contributions are being put to work and the difference they are making.
Your Recent Contributions
Feb 25, 2026. Gift: $360
Mar 31, 2026. Gift: $821. Running total: $1,181
Apr 24, 2026. Gift: $990. Running total: $2,171
Project at a Glance
$4,110. raised of $10,000 goal
16. donors to date
2. years running
~5%. rural electricity access in Madagascar
The Challenge
Access to electricity remains low in Madagascar, reaching only about 20% of the population overall and roughly 5% in rural areas. For most rural households, kerosene and candles remain the primary sources of light — sources that are costly, polluting, and hazardous.
Our Solution
Working with local partners, Halt Poverty distributes solar lanterns that replace kerosene and candlelight with clean, cost-free illumination. Each lantern is wireless, easy to set up anywhere, and requires no grid connection — eliminating electricity bills while cutting carbon footprints.
How Your Support Changes Lives
Health and Safety
Better respiratory and eye health — eliminating indoor smoke and soot lowers the risk of respiratory infections and eye irritation.
Fewer accidents — removes the fire and burn risks associated with overturned kerosene lamps.
Pest deterrence — bright light helps keep insects, snakes, and other pests away at night.
Greater security — no exposed extension cords, and better-lit driveways and pathways deter intruders.
Socioeconomic Impact
Cost savings — households no longer need to buy costly, polluting kerosene; on average, one lantern saves a family about 10,000 Ariary a month.
Extended business hours — vendors and shop owners can keep stalls open after dark, increasing earnings.
Device charging — many lanterns include USB ports, letting families charge phones at home.
More study and family time — children gain extra hours for evening reading, and families gain time together after dark.
Measuring Our Impact
Each solar lantern reaches an estimated five people per household, so 100 lanterns distributed translate to roughly 500 direct beneficiaries. Over its typical three-year lifespan, a single unit can generate over 10,000 kWh of clean energy — energy that would otherwise come from kerosene or other polluting fuels. We track these figures alongside anecdotal reports of improved safety, reduced fire incidents, and expanded income-generating activity after dark.
Looking Ahead
Poverty is more than a monetary measure — it includes food insecurity, poor housing, limited healthcare, and restricted access to education. Solar lighting is one lever among many that Halt Poverty and our partners are using to help families in Madagascar build a more secure, self-sufficient future. With your continued support, we will keep expanding access to safe, clean light and keep you updated on our progress.
With warmest regards,
The Halt Poverty Team
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