- The light is free to use!
Unlike candles and matches, paraffin, or kerosene which are costly, solar power doesn’t cost students a thing!
- The light is brighter than the other available sources.
Students interviewed about the lights report that it is brighter than a candle or paraffin lamp, making it easier for them to read and study without straining their eyes.
- The solar study light is predictable.
Thunderstorms are common in Lesotho and power outages happen frequently and randomly. Luckily for these students, the light they received does not rely on electricity. Also, a candle can easily blow out in the wind in these storms, but the solar light is constant.
- The solar study light provides 8 hours of light!
When fully charged, the solar study light will provide students with 8 hours of light.
- The solar study light is safer than its alternatives.
Accidents involving flames from kerosene lamps commonly result in burns to children. The paraffin and kerosene lamps also release toxic particles that are dangerous to breathe in and cause respiratory diseases. Now children who received a light can study and perform other tasks without risking their health!
- The lamp only takes 8 hours to charge.
For a full charge, the lamp takes 8 hours to charge by solar light, and 4 hours by USB cable if electricity is available. Students can leave the lamp in their window when they leave for school and it will be fully charged by the time they arrive home!
- Each solar lamp is simple and easy to use.
Just face the solar panel towards a window and voila! Let there be light!
- Entire families can benefit from the light!
The family members of students who received light now have light for cooking, caring for babies, taking care of people who are ill, and younger and older siblings can share the light to study with.
- The solar study light helps students complete their assignments.
Students are using the lights to complete their homework assignments so they can practice the skills they learn at school.
- Most importantly, the lights allow students to study when they would not otherwise be able to!
Only 20.6% of Lesotho’s population has access to electricity, making it difficult for students to study after dark. Even for the few with electricity, the light is beneficial due to frequent power outages. Older students found the timing of the light distributions was also helpful, as they were preparing to write their final exams.
One student describes her experience using her solar light: