Rajasthan

The available of light has had a great impact on the socio-economic development of the communities in all the villages and improved the day to day lives of all the beneficiaries by solving the practical issue of darkness post sunset, they have more time to finish their daily chores; extra time means there is now an opportunity to find employment during the day, increasing the household income. The women in Barmer make handicrafts and therefore the access to light post sunset means they have the opportunity to create more pieces to sell, gaining a higher household income. Children can use the light to study after school giving them greater opportunities for their future. The portable lantern allows them to prolong the hours they work the agricultural land. Farmers can reach the fields earlier and leave them later, as there is no concern in travelling in the dark. Furthermore, if needed, farmers can check on their fields at night, helping to ensure their crops are safe to feed the families. The solar lights will also improve the health of the villagers by eradicating them from the home and clean air can be inhaled at night as well as money saved from buying the kerosene every month. The Solar Lantern provided also has the capability to charge a mobile phone, most times the villagers have to walk as far as 5 kilometres to charge their phone every two to three days and some also have to pay to use the plug point, now, they can charge their mobile phones at home, for free.