Notes from the Field

LuminAID partnered with Latina Girls Code's to provide LuminAID lanterns to their STEM day. Latina Girls Code aims to help young minority girls gain exposure to STEM careers through solar technology, engineering, astronomy, and 3-D printing in order to empower them to pursue a career path in the field of STEM.

The Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation aims to alleviate socioeconomic problems facing the indigenous people on the Cabecar Indigenous Reserve in Costa Rica through economical and creative means. LuminAID was able to give 20 lights to the foundation for distribution at the reserve to alleviate problems associated with not having a source of light throughout the night.

After a devastating hurricane season, LuminAID partnered with local Chicago organizations to get more safe light to those in need. Through the Chicago4PR campaign, Chicagoans came together to raise solar lanterns for families without power in Puerto Rico. Thanks to the generosity of LuminAID supporters and Chicago organizations, more than 10,000 solar lanterns were pledged for disaster relief in Puerto Rico.

As one of the outer islands of the Caribbean, the island of Dominica was right within the path of destruction of Hurricane Maria this year. 95% of buildings on the island were damaged or destroyed, leaving electricity scarce and families struggling to rebuild. Randy Hannan, Managing Director of the Trafalgar Relief and Reconstruction Fund, shares how safe and reliable light makes a difference in a community struggling to rebuild:

Even among the highest peaks, a LuminAID ambassador finds a way to share light. This story comes from mountain-climber Sunny, who recently embarked on an all-female climb in the Himalaya. On the way, her team was able to distribute safe solar lights to families in high remote mountain villages, with fire stoves as their only light source. Read more about the monk, the elderly farmers, young widow, and others who received safe light at home in the mountain pass.

Much of Puerto Rico is still without power one month after Hurricane Maria, and families are still struggling to recover without electricity. LuminAID co-founders Anna and Andrea decided to fly to Puerto Rico with hundreds of solar phone charger and solar lights in tow. They distributed aid with humanitarian partner Convoy of Hope, and saw the impact of that access to solar is having for families in Puerto Rico. 

LuminAID partner Convoy of Hope is on the front lines of refugee aid and empowerment. They are currently responding to the Syrian refugee crisis, where LuminAID solar lights are among the essential supplies being delivered to these displaced families. These solar lights are cutting down on fire risks for refugee families, allowing kids to safely study after dark, and families to go about their everyday tasks even in temporary structures without access to electricity.

Electricity is scarce in Cambodia, where over 40% of the population is estimated to go without. The government struggles to connect communities, as around 85% of the population lives in rural areas. But the country boasts an abundant resource, and a potential solution: the sun. Twende Solar introduces a two-fold project to bring solar light and energy to schools and homes. 

Access to safe light can have a diverse and wide-ranging impact on families recovering from natural disasters, conflicts, or living in energy impoverished areas. Explore the ways that safe light can help families survive and thrive in communities worldwide.