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Watts On PROGRAM

 

The ‘Watts On: Lighting Students Lives’ program was developed in 2019 after a pilot project in Kenya proved incredible results. The program involves partnering with local communities and schools to provide portable solar lights for student and includes coordination with the local community and education municipalities, a training and sensitization day aimed at students, parents and teachers, solar light distribution, data collection and follow-up on educational performance.

We are currently working in Northern Kenya with 18 registered schools located in off-grid rural locations that are without access to electricity at home or at school.

solar charging

Impacts from the solar lights include:

  • Improved educational performance and attendance.
  • Better health and safety at home.
  • Greater safety and security around the homesteads at night from wildlife and raiders.
  • Cost savings and economic benefits.
  • Reduced environmental pressures and deforestation.
  • Improved community moral.
reading by solar lights

Watts On Education Grant

In January 2020 we launched the ‘Watts On: Lighting Students Lives’ education grant program in Kenya, aimed at year 8 students writing national exams. The top performing girl and boy student from each school, who received a solar light is eligible to receive the grant to assist with high school tuition and fees. Students who are selected receive a certificate of excellence presented to them and a grant paid directly to the school for their higher education fees.

This program has been designed to offer greater support for students and families and provide additional encouragement to complete exams and continue to higher education. Coming from pastoralist communities many of the parents do not see the need for education and prefer their children continue the family traditions of herding, early childhood marriage and nomadic life. The grant helps to motivate and encourage students and families to understand the economic value of attending school and that support is there for children who perform well.

Program Purpose:

We understand the adverse impact of climate change and inefficient energy supply to rural communities in Africa, which further ads to the difficulties children face in getting an education. Our program aims to ensure the very basics of light access to students living off grid. By providing the tools needed to study, complete assignments and perform more effectively we hope to better equip students with the necessary resources to get an education and excel in their dreams.

Stage 1:

Our portable solar light distribution and sensitization program aims to reach 2,500+ homes where students reside, without access to electricity, in the region of Northern Kenya. Through this initiative over 12,500 people living in the surrounding area will benefit. (An estimated 5 family members benefit, per solar light.)

Families currently use wood burning materials collected from the forest and purchase kerosene for lighting and cooking fuel.

*At October 2020 we will have distributed 800 portable solar lights to students and documented incredible impacts at home, in the community and at school from the lights.

DOCUMENTARY FILM

The film “Light” will tell the story of our solar light program and the unexpected benefits and impacts on the students’ lives. – Stay Tuned!

The film will screen in festivals, sustainability events and conferences around the World.

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How you can help!

  1. 1. Donations of solar lights or funds, access to grants and public support for our project.
  2. 2. Assist us with solar energy and water filtration companies to collaborate with, who are willing to donate product, assist in installing the systems, and educate staff on the technology and maintenance of the equipment.
  3. 3. Airline sponsors, Books, Education materials shipped to Nairobi for our eco-facility.
  4. 4. Share our story and program with others.

What we will provide

  1. 1. Sponsors – Coverage of your product and brand in our film and media. Mention in our special thanks and credits. Opportunity to join us at screenings, events, and press functions relative to this initiative.
  2. 2. Tax receipts for donations.
  3. 3. Invitations to screenings, events, and a copy of the film after public release.
  4. 4. Good Karma.