I had the opportunity to join Atul for his French funded Renewable Energy project 'Banish the Kerosene Lamp' when he visited Namau village (25 kms from Ba) and then villages in Vanua Levu in the remote locations in the last three months. It was not only an eye-opening experience but also helped me understand and appreciate the basic things in life that we take for granted. The project targets villages in remote locations that utilize kerosene lamps or diesel generators for lighting purposes and I was humbled by the extent of the project which involves creating awareness, training and improving livelihoods while for the villagers villagers it involves taking ownership of the solar system in every sense. Visiting these villages and watching the whole process was a very rewarding experience for me. Pictures speak volumes so here I have some of my favourite shots, hope you will enjoy and learn from this visual journey that this post intends for!
And that is what makes all the difference - the spark in the children's eyes and the smile as they curiously explore the light making the whole project a worthwhile effort!
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| Demonstration at one of the remote schools in Vanua Levu |
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| Crossing the river to come and pick their light |
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| One of the solar system also has a small fan along with 4 lights - A child looking at the fan while drining milk without fuss now |
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| Villagers happily going back home with their solar system |
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| Villagers take keen interest to understand how solar light works with the small solar panel |
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| Atul with his troop heading to another small island with solar light system |
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| The contrast - Solar LED lights on the either sides with kerosene lamp in the middle |
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| A training session in Namau village |
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| Children looking at one solar light after a talk by Atul on Renewable Energy and Solar lights |
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