Solar lanterns for school children in Sri Lanka

Solar Empowerment Initiative partnered with World Vision Lanka (WVL) to distribute emergency bulbs to vulnerable communities during a time where Sri Lanka is faced with power cuts. This was a very timely donation during a time of intermittent load shedding. For this purpose, 100 emergency bulbs were donated to WVL. All distributions were carried out in the Uva Province by the Area Development Programs (ADPs) located in Rideemaliyadda, Meegahakiula, Lunugala, and Bibile, in June. 

Many communities in the province possess an agriculture-based economic and the present economic crisis has adversely affected all agricultural activities and therefore these communities are severely impacted, especially farmers and daily-wage laborers. 

Distribution details 

Due to the economic challenges faced by the country, there are island-wide power cuts imposed at different times of the day and night. At its peak, the power cuts lasted up to half a day. The load shedding has become a huge challenge for everyone as it disrupts their daily schedules and activities. This has particularly been a pitfall for children of all ages. They are unable to engage in studies, homework, and even online classes. It was also observed that children with disabilities find it quite distressing during power cuts. They are unable to understand why or how power cuts occur and when power will return. In addition to that, there is a tremendous risk of these children being exposed to accidents at home. For instance, during power outages, usually, kerosene oil lamps are being used. These lamps are usually assembled using a small, old glass bottle or bulb and a wick, which is lit using kerosene oil.  There is a high risk of these lamps toppling and burning/injuring people and their houses. In households with children with disabilities, such risks are extremely high. When considering the current prices of goods, these families find it difficult to purchase an emergency bulb as well. 

Due to the prevailing situation, people are vulnerable to inflation, lack of fuel, and frequent power cuts. Disabled people and their family members are significant among them. The support of the family members of disabled persons is the most essential thing for them to carry out their day-to-day activities. Therefore a proper source of power would be essential for household activities and to ensure the safety of everyone in the house. The distribution of emergency bulbs, therefore, was very timely, and the distribution plan was as follows; 

• Rideemaliyadda – 24 families with children with disabilities and 1 to Thissapura hospital
• Lunugala - 25 families with individuals or children with disabilities
• Meegahakiula - 25 families with individuals or children with disabilities
• Bibile – 25 Families 

o    08 women-headed families 

o    06 families with individuals or children with disabilities

o   11 low income families with children, that have electricity issues 

Thissapura hospital in Rideemaliyadda, was also provided with an emergency bulb. It is situated in a rural area and does not have a generator. Thus, the hospital cannot function well during power cuts. Since it is a small hospital, an emergency bulb is of great help for the patients and the staff. The hospital was grateful to WVL and R&S for donating the bulb, which will assist the hospital in saving many lives and many patients.

Quotes and responses from beneficiaries 

The responses from the families when they received the emergency bulbs were positive and they were extremely grateful. They mentioned that they had to undergo many difficulties during the power cuts with their children as they cry with fear of darkness.

One of the beneficiary families have two individuals with disabilities (mother [25yrs] and child [9yrs]). The grandmother takes care of the whole family since the father is also ill. “This emergency bulb is quite useful to us because both of my children are disabled. They don’t like being in the dark when the power goes out, but there was nothing I could do about it since buying an emergency bulb is too expensive.”, she said. 

One family with a child (5) who cannot walk, talk or communicate was finding it difficult to manage during the power cuts. The child wanders around the house on her limbs and because of her disability and age, she does not have much knowledge about her surroundings. Her mother, Jayarani said, “I’m glad that we received this emergency bulb. My child is still young and she doesn’t understand the power cuts. We are using kerosene oil lamps and it’s even dangerous because my child moves around the house.”

Another boy (10), who is very passionate about learning, showed his schoolbooks to us excitedly and stated, “now I can read and write during power cuts using this bulb.”

Links:

• Solar Empowerment Initiative