pupils receive solar lamps from the Miral Welfare Foundation.
By Lorraine Anyango.
In many parts of the world, millions of children are forced to study under the dim, flickering light of candles and kerosene lamps. This harsh reality not only hampers their academic performance but also poses serious health risks.
To address this pressing issue in Kisumu County, Miral Welfare Foundation is taking action. By distributing solar-powered lamps to children, they are providing a sustainable and affordable solution to the problem of inadequate lighting. These solar lamps offer bright, clean light, enabling children to study for longer hours and improve their academic performance.
It’s illuminating the lives of countless individuals through its innovative “Lighting Together” project. This initiative aims to foster sustainable energy solutions and educational opportunities in underserved communities.
By installing solar power facilities, the foundation seeks to provide clean and reliable energy to 100 million people. Additionally, they plan to establish 1,000 educational facilities and create 10,000 jobs, empowering communities and driving economic growth.
A unique aspect of this project is the hands-on involvement of sponsors. They are encouraged to participate in creating solar-powered lanterns, adding a personal touch to the initiative. These personalized lanterns are then distributed to project sites, along with essential lighting equipment.
The organization has continued to partner with Kisumu County to address the needs of disabled children, especially in the Nyando Sub-county and it’s looking into ways of further collaboration with the county to further bring solutions to serve the residents.
Poor lighting conditions caused by traditional light sources can lead to severe eye strain, headaches, and long-term vision problems. The harmful fumes emitted by kerosene lamps can cause respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and bronchitis. Furthermore, the open flames of candles and kerosene lamps pose a significant fire hazard, especially in densely populated areas.
Beyond the physical health risks, inadequate lighting can severely limit a child’s ability to study effectively. The dim light makes it difficult to read and write, hindering their comprehension and writing skills. As a result, many children are forced to study for shorter periods, limiting their learning time.
The psychological impact of studying in such conditions is equally profound. The constant strain on their eyes and the frustration of trying to study in dim light can lead to stress, anxiety, and lower self-esteem. This can further impact their motivation and academic performance.
By investing in education and infrastructure, we can ensure that all children, regardless of their socio economic status, have the opportunity to learn and thrive.
