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 schools located in off-grid rural locations that are without access to electricity at home or at school.
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.
Watts On Education Grant
The ‘Watts On: Lighting Students Lives’ education grant is aimed to support schools in off-grid regions. The grant is provided for the top performing school from those that received solar lights for their students. Schools selected will receive a certificate of excellence and a grant to go towards equipment for school programs.
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.
Our portable solar light distribution and sensitization program aims to reach 15,000 homes where students reside without access to electricity in Kenya. Through this initiative over 75,000 people 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.
DOCUMENTARY FILM
“Light” takes us on a journey, in a classic land rover defender, with a passionate team, into the last mile region of Northern Kenya. There we discover the impact that portable solar light has on students who live without electricity access. At the same time learning the challenges these students face in getting an education.
This film is based on 4 years of work, and research on how portable solar light can impact students who live without electricity. We look forward to sharing this story with audiences and the world.
Link to Film Trailer: : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiBDqNM9frs
How you can help!
- 1. Donations of solar lights or funds, access to grants and public support for our project.
- 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. Airline sponsors, Books, Education materials shipped to Nairobi for our eco-facility.
- 4. Invitation to speaking events and presentations of our programs and work.
- 4. Share our story and program with others.
What we will provide
- 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. Tax receipts for donations.
- 3. Invitations to screenings, events, and a copy of the film after public release.
- 4. Mention on Social Media
- 5. Good Karma.
