Lights for Learning providing brighter future for developing world

Lights for Learning, based in Wiltshire, design, manufacture and install lighting kits for schools, houses and public buildings that would otherwise close at nightfall, or rely on sources of light which are dangerous and expensive. Kerosene lamps made from cut down tomato tins are sometimes all a family in Africa have to light their home. Knock such a contraption over and the consequences can be devastating.

By contrast, the solar-powered lighting systems produced by Lights for Learning are energy-efficient, safe to use and cheap to run. The charity’s founders realised what could be achieved in equatorial countries where communities are baked by the sun for 12 hours, but plunged into darkness from 6pm to 6am, all the year round.

Buildings where the lights are installed can stay open for as long as they are required. Children can do their homework safely, while adults have greater access to education. Installing the lights also improves the skills and employment prospects for local people.

Working in partnership with other charities, Lights for Learning have successfully completed projects in Kenya, Zambia and Uganda, and are currently fitting lighting in an orphanage for deaf and mute children in the Philippines. Their work has taken them to some of Africa’s most deprived areas, such as the slum city of Kibera in Kenya.

Lights for Learning’s director, Roger Mugridge, said: ‘We have had lots of encouragement from companies that are supporting our work with discounts on the components that we use to make up the light boxes, and without their help we wouldn’t have been able to complete half of our projects.’ Rapid have provided the charity with discounted prices on a range of products, including soldering equipment, multimeters, wire strippers, tools, drills and tapes.

Founded in 2004, Lights for Learning depend solely on donations and fundraising to continue their valuable work. To find out more and details of how to become a ‘friend’ of the charity, visit their website: www.lightsforlearning.org