Last week saw the UK launch of the International Year of Light, the UN initiative to promote the importance of light in tackling development issues. The launch took place at St James’ Palace, a building with a long history of Royal residence. A grand setting with some esteemed figures, but the SolarAid ladies weren’t to be […]
There are continuing discussions in the off-grid lighting world about the merits of small hand-held solar lights Vs larger solar home systems. This was touched upon in a great article in the Economist recently and is an issue that crops up regularly. Here we hear from Victoria Arch, who echoes our own sentiment, that small solar lights […]
Joseph Karanja is a Kenyan lawyer from Eldoret. Back in April we posted a blog written by his long-time friend, and SolarAid supporter Keith Neal, about solar lights and peace and reconciliation in Western Kenya. We can now give you an update from Joseph directly. This is a truly heart-warming story about the power of […]
2015 is the UNESCO International Year of Light, a global initiative highlighting the importance of light in everyday life and for the development of society. To mark the official launch of the IYOL on 19th January 2015, SolarAid are asking supporters to take a few moments – whether just five minutes or an entire evening […]
This is Joseph Mtange, Headteacher of Kodeny Primary School. Joseph is not just a head teacher however, he’s an entrepreneur with a social conscious as well. Joseph is one of hundreds of people who are taking advantage of the increased demand for solar lights by becoming a SunnyMoney agent, supplementing their income while ensuring access […]
There’s a group of shining beacons in Africa who have been instrumental in helping us sell 1.4 million solar lights. Without their help, support and passion, countless communities would not be benefiting from safe, clean light today. These guys range from head teachers to local entrepreneurs; they are all helping to Light the Way. Of course, […]
During the UN Climate Talks in Lima this December Our Voices – a multi-faith, climate change movement – will hold vigils around the world, to call for an international agreement to combat climate change. All powered by solar lights. They have teamed up with SolarAid to get solar lights to key locations in Canada, Japan, India, the […]
“I use my time to educate other people about solar lights because it is a good product for home use. I saw it from my neighbour and I decided to buy it. It helps to reduce kerosene expenses.” Imelda Mpiluka, Tanzania It has been an exciting year for SolarAid and SunnyMoney; reaching a million solar light […]
Today’s blog is written by Kat Harrison, Director of Research & Impact Twitter: @sunrise_kat Tumblr: http://sunrisekat.tumblr.com “Today sees the release of our second ever impact report. The report is jam packed with information celebrating the amazing impact that you’ve helped us achieve over the last 12 months. We’ve made some great progress and we can’t wait […]
Yesterday the Nobel Prize in Physics for the invention of ‘greatest benefit to mankind’ was awarded to Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano and Shuji Nakamura for the blue light-emitting diode (LED). Improvements in LED technology have made small solar lights affordable to some of the world’s poorest people living without electricity. “Nobel recognition of the importance […]