The simple flick of a switch is not as simple as it seems.

When options are limited to dangerous kerosene lamps or seeking public lighting in the evening time – inaccessibility or the convenience of electricity for those of us in Ireland doesn’t cross our minds.

But for a moment just imagine what life would be like if we didn’t have that simple light switch?

Or power outages disrupting our lives?

The everyday routines and activities we do in the evening, most of them, would be impossible without access to electricity and yet – it is a reality the poorest and most marginalised families face each and every day.

Students study for their exams at the security light of guest house in Rumbek.

For children, this challenge isn’t just an inconvenience –

It can have a domino effect impacting not just their present but their futures too as studying and homework becomes a struggle setting school children behind, especially those preparing for exams, simply because they are unable to read a textbook.

Thanks to our collaboration with Electric aid – over 400 students received solar lamps in Cueibet, South Sudan.

Each student received a lamp for home study use significantly improving their ability to study at home and finish their homework.

Many students previously relied on kerosene lamps or walked long distances to find lighted areas.

With the new lamps, they can now study safely at home.

“The solar lamp helps me and my sister. We don’t go outside anymore to find light.”

Peter, student at Fr Victor-Luke Odhiambo Memorial Secondary School.

Beyond education, it has also improved the day-to-day living of families. Whereas before, households struggled doing different tasks in the dark or with feeble light if they were unable to purchase fuel – solar lamps have removed that costly burden.

This project has quite literally brought light into people’s lives!

The support from Electric aid has had a significant impact on students’ lives in Cueibet. It has helped them with their studies and also supported many families in the community.

Solar-related projects are very important, especially in an area like Cueibet where there is no access to centralized government supported electricity.

On World Literacy Day, how can we forget the importance of our cosy reading lamps in all the corners across the world – where reading and learning is quite literally brought to light!

To find out more about our education projects, click here

And donate today to brighten a school child’s day!