Together, they aim to distribute solar-powered lights to schoolchildren in Sierra Leone and Liberia, empowering them to pursue education without the burden of inadequate lighting.
Manchester, UK – Energy poverty remains a pressing issue across Africa, where millions of people lack access to electricity. In West Africa, this challenge significantly affects educational opportunities, as children in communities without power struggle to study or complete homework after dark.
To address this, the Lena Marshall Foundation (LMF) has partnered with SolarBuddy, a global impact organization dedicated to combating energy poverty by providing clean, reliable solar lighting. Together, they aim to distribute solar-powered lights to schoolchildren in Sierra Leone and Liberia, empowering them to pursue education without the burden of inadequate lighting.
Transforming Lives Through Solar Solutions
SolarBuddy’s mission is to eliminate energy poverty, which affects over 800 million people worldwide. Many of these individuals rely on unsafe, inefficient energy sources like charcoal and firewood, which pose risks to health, well-being, and the environment while limiting economic and educational progress.
“This is an exciting time for the foundation. Thanks to SolarBuddy we can make a significant impact on the children,” said Lena Marshall, founder, Lena Marshall Foundation.
“The parents we spoke with will not have to keep charging their mobile phones for their children to use at nights for homework, which isn’t cost effective for the family.”
Collaboration for a Brighter Future
Through this initiative, LMF will serve as a distribution partner, ensuring that solar lights reach schoolchildren in need. These lights will not only enhance their ability to study but also improve their overall quality of life.
“At SolarBuddy, we couldn’t do the work we do without the support of passionate in-country partners to distribute and deliver SolarBuddy’s solar solutions to children around the world,” said Simon Doble, Founder & Chair of SolarBuddy.
“We at SolarBuddy, are all excited to be partnering with The Lena Marshall Foundation to see safe, reliable solar solutions delivered directly into the hands of children to enhance their education and empower their future. A true example of the Sustainable Development Goal 17, partnerships for the goals.”
Commitment to Eliminating Energy Poverty
While this initiative marks a significant step forward, both organizations acknowledge the long journey ahead in eradicating energy poverty.
“We have a very long way to go in eliminating energy poverty,” Lena Marshall emphasized. “However, the Lena Marshall Foundation will continue to work with organizations like SolarBuddy to ensure that schoolchildren are not disadvantaged in their educational journey.”
How to Get Involved
The Lena Marshall Foundation invites supporters to join their mission to illuminate the futures of children across West Africa. For more information or to support the initiative, contact the LMF press office at [email protected].
Together, the Lena Marshall Foundation and SolarBuddy are lighting the path toward a brighter, more equitable future for children in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and beyond.
