A child using a WakaWaka Light in Haiti
A Dutch lighting and energy company has announced that it will donate 10,000 solar led lights to Haitians still living in the dark after the earthquake of 2010.
Off Grid Solutions has organised the crowdfunding campaign to coincide with the introduction of its WakaWaka Power solar LED lamp and smartphone charger, which is designed for backpackers and travellers. It pledges to donate one WakaWaka Light to Haiti for every WakaWaka Power unit sold.
Many Haitians continue to depend on dangerous, toxic and expensive kerosene lamps to provide lighting after the devastating earthquake of 2010. The benefits of safe, affordable and energy efficient lights include higher education rates, better sanitation, greater safety and increased commerce.
Off Grid Solutions said it was liaising with NGOs and refugee organisations to work out the best way to distribute the lamps. The objective is to reach maximum impact with the donation, which is expected to be delivered in the spring. The company calculates that, based on an average household of five, its donation will mean that 50,000 Haitians will have access to the lamps.
