Notes from the Field

The latest installment in our Notes from the Field series comes from Kristen Ragazzo, an elementary school teacher who's lifelong dream has been to travel to Nepal. After last year's devastating earthquake, Kristen and her husband coordinated a trip to distribute LuminAID lights to communities that are still in need and shares the impact of the lights below: 

On March 11, 2011, the country of Japan experienced one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded. By total coincidence, Anna and Andrea were on a school trip in Tokyo at the time. By the end of the trip, the were inspired to further develop what would become the LuminAID.

In January, we partnered with the organization, Finding Freedom Through Friendship, to distribute lights to Mayan women in Guatemala. Jody Greenlee, Executive Director, and LynnAnn Murphy, a volunteer, tell their story of how the lights changed lives in Guatemala.

When Anna and Andrea were attaching batteries and solar panels together to make the first solar inflatable lanterns in their kitchen, the two graduate students knew little about how far their lights would go. 5 years later, the little idea of the LuminAID light found its way to Malawi in southeast Africa, to help families whose houses has been destroyed by extreme flooding. Anna and Andrea had the opportunity to help out, and see the impact of LuminAID lights in person -- for the first time.

Thank you!  The response to our Give Light Nepal campaign was overwhelming, and we far exceeded our donation goal.  Thanks to your support, we were able to partner with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to distribute 1000 solar lights to women and girls in need following the earthquakes in Nepal.  Through their 'Female Friendly Spaces' program, UNFPA Nepal has provided needed LuminAID lights to women and children left vulnerable after the earthquakes in Nepal earlier this year.

The latest installment in our Notes from the Field series comes from Renee St. Jacques, a Peace Corps volunteer in Cameroon. Renee recently coordinated the distribution of lights in her village, and shares how LuminAID lanterns have helped provide light for families who cannot afford electricity, and encouraged educational prospects for children in the village.

The Salaam Cultural Museum (SCM), a volunteer-based NGO from Seattle, is working to provide needed help and supplies to refugees who have crossed the perilous Mediterranean and finally arrive -- largely without supplies -- in Greece.  As the refugees continue their journey with limited access to necessities, lightweight and waterproof LuminAID solar lights mean that access to light at least is always in hand.

The latest installment in our Notes from the Field series comes from Hannah Marqusee, a Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal. Hannah recently coordinated the distribution of donated lights from the Give Light, Get Light program, and shares how LuminAID lanterns have helped students in the village continue their studies, and have provided a safe lighting alternative to candles and kerosene as the village looks to rebuild.

Paths have been lit for 140 children at our partner orphanage in Uganda. For the kids in Uganda, after dark, can be impossible to spend anytime reading or studying outside or in their rooms. These lights will allow and encourage nighttime study.