Kopernik - RURAL NIGERIAN STUDENTS RECEIVE THE K-LIGHT!

"This will be the light that I study by, and my family now uses when we prepare our evening meal." commented. "We can get much more done at night now, and my eyes don’t hurt anymore. I am grateful to have received a K-Light."
Ayebo, a 13-year-old student

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150 K-Light solar lanterns have been distributed to high performing students in rural Igbotako, Nigeria on the 7th and 8th of May, 2010.

Before the project:

There is inadequate power supply in Igbotako. Most families cannot afford generators and rely on kerosene lamps for lighting which is dirty, dangerous and expensive. The kerosene lamps give off poor light and hinder the ability of students to study at night. The kerosene lamps produce carbon monoxide emissions that can lead to serious health complications and even death.

Approximately 80% of the households surveyed were using kerosene lanterns, and 14% used a combination of candles and kerosene for lighting. The average monthly spending on kerosene per household was approximately 1400 Naira (USD 9.3).

After the project:

Following the distribution of the lights, the students have reported that the solar lanterns are much better to study by and don’t hurt their eyes, like the kerosene lamps did. A school teacher commented that the K-lights will most definitely improve the performance of students at school.

The lights have helped in making the conversion of households towards the use of alternative energy and will reduce the incidence of kerosene explosions. The lights are already saving families money, as they no longer have to purchase kerosene for lighting.

The partner organisation’s contribution:

ACAHD, the local NGO, contributed the sum of $500 USD that covered the following expenses:
Transportation of the consignment from Lagos to Igbotako;
Awareness raising and distribution event (hall hire, refreshments, banner, equipment);
Accommodation and transport costs of staff at Igbotako

Feedback on the Technology:

Rating:

About 70 % of the students who received the K-Lights rated it as very effective. ACAHD commented that "the K-Light is superb, reliable and efficient. It has assisted students to read at night." However, longer battery hours are needed. One person commented that it is difficult to fully charge the light during the rainy season.

Overall feedback on the project

Kopernik has helped the students of Igbotako community attain their optimum educational capabilities and also to reduce environmental hazard associated with the use of kerosene. The project is helping families save money by eliminating the need to purchase kerosene thereby increasing educational development and poverty reduction. Looking forward to more distribution of K-Lights.

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