Street Light - Kambama, Sierra Leone
Summary
This programme will provide lighting and other energy services to off grid communities. Centralized charging stations will be created that provide power to community structures, allow for battery and other charging and create livelihood opportunities.
Project Needs and Beneficiaries
The majority of communities across the region do not have access to national electrical supply. Rural Benin is home to more than two-thirds of the country’s eight million people, yet less than two percent of these people have direct access to electricity. Currently the vast majority of Beninese rely on kerosene lanterns for their lighting needs and use non-rechargeable batteries for radios and other appliances such as cassette and CD players. Not only are these environmentally damaging but they represent a significant financial burden on families.
Objectives
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The objective of this project is to establish ten solar charging stations in rural areas across the region. These centres will be owned by members of the community, who will be fully trained in their operation and maintenance. Rechargeable lanterns will also be introduced to reduce the reliance on costly, dangerous and unhealthy kerosene.
Activities
- Evaluation of communities for the need and want for community charging services
- Installation of specifically designed charging stations for each community
- The training of community owners/operators to maintain and operate their system
- The training of community owner/operators in the management of the solar charging station as a community income generating business
Potential Long Term Impact
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Access to electricity has the potential for dramatic long term benefits. Energy provides the opportunity for increased study, work or leisure activities and this distribution method leaves it to the user to decide. There is a direct relationship between energy supply, education and income levels as each is largely reliant on the other in order to make significant improvements.
Funding Information
Total Funding Goal: US$100,000
How You Can Help
- $5 – Supplies one child with a rechargeable study light
- $50 – Provides one family with a rechargeable lantern
- $200 – Buys a complete rechargeable home lighting kit