When people think of solar-powered technology, they probably think of it as something complicated and costly—something only rich people would be able to afford. It’s also something that only looks good on paper but doesn’t seem feasible, especially in a third-world country like the Philippines. But what people don’t know is that somewhere out there, a 12-year-old kid from the countryside could already be assembling parts, creating a simple circuit by hand to make a small yet much-needed source of light powered by solar energy—and it was all made possible by Liter of Light.
What started out as a small non-profit group in 2011 is now a global movement aiming to end energy poverty, not just in the Philippines, but also in other countries. Liter of Light, established under the MyShelter Foundation, promotes the use of renewable energy, especially in far-flung areas of the country where electricity is scarce and disasters are frequent.
What makes them special, however, is that they do not simply provide the technology to the communities; they teach them how to make solar-powered light sources themselves using materials that they can easily get from the nearest electrical materials shop.
“How come we’re training Filipino minds to serve people who already live well?” Liter of Light’s Executive Director Illac Diaz asked in a press briefing on December 11. “How about if we train minds to bring as many people along as possible?”
With this vision in mind, Liter of Light was able to go around 88 provinces in the Philippines, teaching women and children as young as 12 how to assemble lamps, mobile charging systems, and streetlights all powered by solar technology. This year, Liter of Light teamed up with Peaceboat to bring sustainable lights to other developing countries of the world.
Read more at Spot.ph
