By Kristine Pearson | CEO Lifeline Energy
This is 21-year old Diane, who has been heading her household since she was 11 and looks after four younger siblings. The family inherited the two roomed mud brick house when their parents were killed in a raid by militia from bordering Congo. The isolated dwelling sits high above Musanze town in northern Rwanda on a steep hill - a 45 minute walk from the tarred road.
Diane was thrilled with her light, as all the family’s nighttime activities were dimly lit by a tin can ‘agakoroboi’ kerosene lamp. She uses the light to help her cook, to wash up after dinner and keep rats away. The younger school children use it to read and revise their homework after the evening meal. In addition, they all use it to walk to neighbors after dark. Previously, Diane told me that she used to count the steps to the walking path, to the toilet and to their neighbors house. Now she flicks on her light to lead the way.
Diane just received a Solarstor solar panel in February that charges cell phones and also has an LED light. To her, a mobile isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity, as she is part of a women’s association that weaves baskets and needs to communicate with the other weavers. Diane will not only save money and time charging her phone, she will also have a light source for nighttime weaving.
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