Climate Action Zambia Project #41691

Gift A Solar Lantern...Empower Rural Women & Girls

by Kukula Solar

Gift A Solar Lantern...Empower Rural Women & Girls

Project Report | Apr 21, 2024
How a Solar Lantern Is Helping Rural Household In Zambia

By Francis Mbewe | Project Leader

Since 2022, we have been deploying the smallest entry solar lantern to hard to reach rural household in Eastern Province and we continue to receive the impact stories from the users. the SM100 and SM200 are considered the smallest solar lanterns in the solar light space but it has a huge impact on people and communities. Among the testimonies we have received from the users are below:

1. "With the Solar lantern, im able to study when the sun sets." Rudo-- Grade 7 Pupil

2. "I now can cook under a bright light with this solar light i got from Kukula Solar". Maria-- Housewife

3. " My domestic animals are now safe from hayinas because of the solar lamp you distribute to me". James--- Smallholder Farmer

4. "My solar light help me to keep my small business running when the sun sets". Alinafe-- Businesswoman.

These are among the thousands of testimonies we continue to receive each day because of the impact the solar lanterns are having.

To our donors and supporters we say thankyou for your continued support in making this a reality for the majority of hosueholds in rural communities of Zambia.

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Dec 26, 2023
One Solar Light Changes Everything

By Francis Mbewe | Project Leader

The Impact on Education

Families tell us that solar lights are predominantly used by children to do their homework after dark. With access to this bright, safe, clean, and free light, children are doing an extra hour of homework each day. Headteachers at the school Kukula Solar work report improvements in performance, attendance, concentration, and motivation of their pupils as a result. When children do well at school, they are likely to stay there longer and gain a higher level of education benefiting themselves, their families, and their communities.

The Economic Impact

With solar light, families tell us they save money from reduced spending on lighting alternatives like kerosene, candles, and battery torches. An average solar light user will recoup the cost of their solar light in 10 weeks. Nine in ten Kukula Solar customers live below the poverty line of $1.25 per day. The proportion of income they spend on lighting is significant and so having access to a solar light is life-changing. Solar light users tell us they spend their savings on food, school costs, and investment in livelihoods – starting a virtuous cycle of development and progress.

The Impact On Health

Each solar light bought by a household in rural Africa results in the elimination of the regular use of one kerosene lamp and this means there is less indoor air pollution. A kerosene lamp releases thick, toxic smoke into a family’s homes, and 4 million people per year die prematurely from illnesses attributable to household air pollution. Happily, with a solar light over half of the families notice an improvement in health as a result; including a reduction in coughing, chest problems, eye irritation, and illness.

Help us get more lights to rural households in Africa!

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2024!

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Aug 28, 2023
A Truly Special Evening

By Francis Mbewe | Project Leader

Yohane and his wife

At the back of Msanjula Village in rural Eastern Province, Zambia stands Yohane's red clay brick house. From the front porch to the outdoor kitchen and chicken coop behind the house, everything is immaculate – but one thing is missing. Light.

Yohane runs a tight ship ensuring that his wife and four children are safe, healthy and have the best chance at a bright future but this isn’t always easy. Without light, Yohane’s children struggle to study, his wife finds it difficult to expand her tailoring business and Yohane worries about the safety of his family.

Nearly one year after we first met Yohane, he received a solar home system.

“I can’t express how overjoyed I was when I turned on the light in my house. It was like a ray of hope illuminating our lives. In my heart, I felt a sense of relief and gratitude. Finally, we have access to a reliable and safe source of light that will transform our daily lives.”

“Our first night with light was truly special. We gathered as a family and celebrated this new chapter in our lives. We spent the evening chatting, laughing, and sharing stories. My wife, Thandiwe, taught me some tailoring skills, something I had been hesitant about before. Now, I feel excited to learn and support her in her craft. It was a memorable evening of togetherness and learning.”

With access to clean, safe light in his home, Yohane has begun to dream of a different future. His children are able to study, increasing their chances at realising their dreams and his wife is able to expand her business, which Yohane is getting involved in too.

“The future looks brighter for our family. With light in our home, I can now learn tailoring at night and assist my wife in her business. This will not only strengthen our bond as a couple but also improve our financial situation. Additionally, our children will have better opportunities for education and studying at night, which will contribute to their future success.”

And the best part is, the story doesn’t end with Yohane. The effects of Yohane’s solar light ripple out into the community, the country, the planet.

“Solar energy is undoubtedly beneficial for the climate. By harnessing the power of the sun, we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Solar energy is clean, renewable, and sustainable. Embracing solar power is a step towards achieving climate action and economic freedom for us."

To all our donors and supporters, thanks so much for your continued support.. You make such impact stories a reality every day!

Yohane and his family

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