By Michael H. Varhola | President, Solar Empowerment Initiative
We have continued to operate in spite of Covid 19, but it has been a challenge, and not the only one. We managed to ship 1000 lanterns to our partner in Myanmar, World Vision, to be distributed to school children there. As with all our partnerships, WVM will pay all expenses at the port and handle the distribution. We are still waiting on feedback, which, given the political situation there is to be expected.
Our first shipment to Puerto Rico arrive a coup weeks ago and is still processing through customs. Our partner there, the Salvation Army, is working with customs now. It will pay all duties and port fees and will distribute the lanterns. Puerto Rico, although a US territory, has many of the characteristics of a Third World country. There is a lot of poverty in the country, which is only excaserbated by earthquakes, hurricanes, and power outages in general. Our lanterns will at least provide light to make the hours of darkness more productive, both for school children and families in general. We couldn't be happier with this new partnership.
The price of our lanterns has gone up. They are now $3.35 apiece. With shipping the cost per lantern will be a bit over $3.50. Still not a bad price for a tough little solar lantern. Because our partners pick up most of the overhead, that means tha $10.00 will actually place three solar lanterns into the hands of school children or their families.
Please continue your generous support. Many futures depend on it.
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