School lights up
Spirits were high as pupils and their parents saw the trucks arriving at the school with boxes that hold lights to their futures.
The pupils’ faces of Kwaggafontein Primary Farm School lit up with excitement after receiving 450 safe and rechargeable solar lights.
One Million Lights, the six-year-old USA non-profit organisation, made its first visit to South Africa with its aim of improving the lives of children through its renewable and affordable energy lights.
In partnership with Energizer South Africa, the distribution of 450 safe, rechargeable solar lights at Kwaggafontein was the fourth in South Africa, where a total of 7 000 lights are to be distributed among selected schools in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. This is the project’s highest distribution ever.
“The Energizer lights that the pupils receive have a dual function where users either can make use of solar energy or battery energy to ensure that their lights are not dependent on the weather,” says Barrett Raftery, project leader of One Million Lights.
To date the One Million Lights campaign has distributed over 50 000 solar lights around the world, replacing dangerous and polluting kerosene lamps in areas that do not have access to electricity.
“It is wonderful how something as small as solar lights can bring so many smiles,” says Sierra Fan, One Million Lights board member.
“It is sad to see how many pupils have kerosene burn scars on their arms. These lights will eliminate this hazard to keep the children safe.”
Spirits were high as pupils and their parents saw the trucks arriving at the school with boxes that hold lights to their futures. After the pupils received their lights, Energizer representatives demonstrated how to use and take care of their lights to ensure that the lights have a long lasting effect. Excited parents that attended the distributions at the school also attended the training sessions to learn exactly how to make the most of their new solar lights.
Mr Energizer made his appearance and entertained the pupils with his energising dance, using his positive energy to create even more fun and excitement for an unforgettable day.
Pupils from Kwaggafontein joined in the action to show their gratitude by entertaining the representatives with traditional dancing, specially performed by these youngsters.
“The donation will make a huge difference in the wellbeing of our pupils,” says Jane Njodu, Phase One HOD of Kwaggafontein.
“We are extremely grateful and relieved to know that our pupils will be much safer by using these solar lights instead of candles.”
If you would like to support One Million Lights and make a donation to bring light to more communities that live without electricity, visit www.onemillionlights.org or contact Barrett Raftery at barrett@onemillionlights.org.
Click here to view more photos of the event.
