News can be so very depressing, so here is an uplifting side of the world.
In sub-Saharan Africa, the charity known as SolarAid is entrenching itself in the country by making a market out of cheap, solar efficient lights. These lights cost around 6 pound each, and SunnyMoney (the specific branch) is losing about 13 pence on each globe. They are selling them rather than giving them away because they A) Believe that something bought will be held dearer, and B) Think that they could seriously create a long lasting market in Africa, rather than add to the piles of short-lived goodwill that is sent yearly.
The lights, if charged under direct sunlight, are powerful enough to brighten up a room for an entire day, and are incredibly cheap for the families to buy. They were originally given away as incentives to students, but have since found a much larger market. The charity has sold nearly 1 million globes so far, and plan to break even in the next 2 years. They believe that they have an advantage with the fact that they do not have shareholders, therefore do not need an immediate return. Sceptics and a little worried about the money that will be returned to the company when it breaks even, effectively making it a business. They assure that all funds will go back into Kenya, however.
Not only are these links boosting the local economy, they are having a direct effect on education as well. Compared to the kerosene lamps that families were originally forced to use, these save nearly 40 pounds a month. As I said before, the education is also a big bonus. The average marks in the poorest neighbourhood for national exams have risen from 215 to 233.
Boom, positivity!
(
Source)
