The Bourke Family Foundation. Lights for Literacy is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2011 by Edmond, Gigi, Nicole, Madison, and Jacquelyn Bourke. The family envisioned a world where each and every family has access to light, water, and shelter.

Lights for Literacy works to provide the most basic needs to those most in need. First and foremost, we believe in sustainable and long term solutions. From solar powered lights to water well construction projects, our programs are based on sustainability and lasting impact. We provide solutions that empower beneficiaries with the ability to adapt and grow. Our foundation has no geographic or cultural boundaries. We strive to help those who share our approach and can most expand from our assistance.

“The book and room lights which were distributed in rural Singida with Ed, Gigi and Andrea have been of immense use and benefit to the target group.  Students use them for their evening preparations and studies.  Families use them when cooking, eating and for important gatherings at night.  Because of their limited numbers, students use them in groups. They call them the “liberators”.  Teachers have also recommended them as they record improvement in their own performance as well as the students who happen to have received the lights. On behalf of rural students, teachers and the general public, we strongly recommend the solar light project for our rural schools and dispensaries and will appreciate if more can be supplied and distributed accordingly. Please keep on lighting the lives of the poor of Tanzania through these lights.” 

~Mungwe ABC Athman, PEN Trust Chairman