LIGHT

In areas with little or no electricity, such as Sub-Saharan Africa and India, the majority of people live “off grid”.  In these areas the day ends when the sun sets and children have little opportunity to read or do homework. The Global Energy Network Institute’s extensive research shows that increase in energy consumption has a direct correlation in literacy rates. However, governments in developing countries do not always have the means to build extensive power lines or networks that are so desperately needed. In addition, these projects can take decades, and large amount of resources which they may lack. Children living off grid need sustainable and accessible solutions now. Solar powered book lights can dramatically change a child’s life by providing the ability to read and work when sunlight is not available, promoting literacy. As seen within the maps below, literacy rates directly correlate with energy usage. The areas which have higher energy consumption rates, also have higher literacy rates. 

Water is essential for life, however nearly one billion people lack access to clean, safe drinking water.  Each day women and children walk miles from their homes to collect water at the nearest possible source. For many children, collecting water is a greater priority than attending school. In Africa alone, people spend 40 billion hours a year walking for water. Unfortunately, the water they collect is often full of parasites and disease. The following pictures were taken by Ed and Gigi Bourke during their trip to Tanzania and show the water crisis they observed. 

Access to clean drinking water lessens the burden of labor on children, and provides them with the greater opportunity to attend school. Access to clean drinking water lessens the burden of labor on women, giving them the ability to work or better take care of family. Access to clean drinking water lessens the chances of sickness, allowing men to gain a greater sense of stability within their work. Access to clean drinking water allows livestock and crops to grow, giving people access to more food and energy. Access to clean drinking water changes everything.

New technology has also created solutions to the water crisis. In addition to wells, mobile desalination units are a great alternative and sustainable way to provide clean drinking water to communities in need. In the right location and circumstance, the mobile desalination units can be made stationary and provide at least 4,000 gallons of water per day.

Water is necessary for everyday life, but most needed when a disaster occurs. Mobile water desalination units provide emergency water supply wherever and whenever needed. The units can be easily moved and deploy to disaster area and provide an immediate water supply. In 2012, Our organization partnered with Wells of Life to fund the drilling of a water well in rural eastern Uganda, Africa. We believe that access to clean drinking water will provide children the opportunity to attend school, give women the ability to work, allow men to earn more money, and allow livestock to grow and multiply, producing more food and income to the families.  

We are committed to providing sustainable water in any situation. We are currently looking to build more wells in villages, as well as provide training on water desalination units in times of disaster.  We will continue to work with local NGOs to work with the needs of each location.