An organization called Freeplay has developed a low-cost, environmentally friendly solution to the problem of inadequate energy sources in many African countries.
Shedding a few more hours of light into sub-Saharan African homes is the Freeplay Foundation’s new mission. The non-profit organization is largely known for providing developing regions, disaster areas and regions of conflict with wind-up, solar-powered, sturdy, easy-to-use radios. One of their missions since their inception has been to give Africans in remote areas the opportunity to hear news and educational programs, and to this end has distributed more than 150,000 radios since 2003. The foundation, headed up by Kristine Pearson, works in association with Freeplay Energy, founded by Rory Stear, which manufactures the projects. Now the foundation has a new project called LifeLight.
Wind-up base stations will be placed in homes, to charge a collection of detachable lamps. These lights are meant to be used when the sun goes down, replacing unhealthy and expensive kerosene and battery-powered lamps, as well as wood fires as sources of light. It is estimated by the World Bank that over 500 million sub-Saharan Africans have no access to electricity to light their homes. Once the sun sets, these people are usually out of luck. The LifeLights should provide hours of illumination as well as being eco-friendly as they do not depend on disposable batteries.
Those that have the means often spend up to 15 percent of their budget on lighting fuel. As part of Freeplay’s “Lighting Africa” project, the organization also plans to train local women to sell the lights, repair and maintain them. Tests with prototypes of the lights will begin next month in Kenya to troubleshoot the design.
This article was published Wednesday, November 7, 2007
