By Simon Doble | Founder and Chair
We’re halfway through the year and what a year it’s shaping up to be. Thanks for joining us this month for more Stories from the Field.
In May, a total of 2550 lights began their journey of impact in Australia, where they were assembled before making their way to destinations around the world.
Read on to hear about some of the communities we have been lighting up over the past few months, with the support of our brilliant partners!
Darkness to Light in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka our partner, Anduran Eliyata – which translates as ‘Darkness to Light’– distributed 500 JuniorBuddy lights to Murungahitikanka High School in the North Central Province. The journey took 12 hours, using public transport and transportation arranged by the Special Task Force.
The school itself has limited access to grid power, usually up to about four hours a day, while families in the community have no power, relying on kerosene lanterns or candles. Even though Grid Power is sometimes available, the high cost means usage is kept to a minimum. A special school assembly was organised by the principle who welcomed the Darkness to Light’s team and assisted them in distributing the lights to every single student at the school.
“We can save money on electricity and now use it to buy food.” - Student
The school has planned a religious ceremony during the night to commemorate the upcoming Poson Festival ("Poson" is an annual festival held by Sri Lankan Buddhists celebrating the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC). While singing, the students will hold their solar lights on their palms.
We were excited to hear from our partner how these lights will not only impact the children, but also the families, “Some farming parents said that they will use this light in their watch huts in the night in the farming fields.”
Thank you, Darkness to Light!
SHARING INSIGHTS
Long-awaited lights land in Milne Bay
Our partner in Papua New Guinea has been doing some amazing work positively impacting the lives of 1640 children, across 10 remote island communities in 23 villages in Milne Bay. The Conflict Island’s Conservation Initiative – or CICI – travelled a total of 527 kms over 7 days by sea to distribute 2000 solar lights.
The Milne Bay province spans 14,345 km² of land and 252,990 km² of sea. It includes over 600 islands, with about 160 of these inhabited. CICI shared with us how 83% of the students they surveyed do not have access to power at home and 40% of schools are without power. For this distribution CICI’s rangers distributed the lights when they travelled home to their islands for their annual leave, with the support of The Coral Islands Limited who provided the vessel and staff.
Our heartfelt thanks to both organisations. With our original shipment sent in 2022 but being held up due to customs and COVID restrictions, the arrival of these lights were celebrated!
Well done to all involved for making it happen!
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We are endlessly appreciative of the support provided by our donors and advocates around the world. Thank you all for working alongside us to illuminate the lives of children to empower their futures. We invite you to help us reach our goal of illuminating more children’s lives than ever before with your donation.
Simon Doble
Founder and Chair
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