Education & Literacy

Light from kerosene lamps is poor and inefficient (only 2 to 4 lumens). Poor lighting affects literacy and education. The light from kerosene lamps is so poor that children can only see their schoolbooks if they are almost on top of the flame, directly inhaling even more of the toxic smoke (1). Heat fracture and spillage is common and results in countless injuries to children when studying.

The ability to read and study after sundown has an enormous impact on the lives of those with little opportunity. Not the least of these benefits is the improvement in education of children and women in areas where poverty and illiteracy walk hand in hand. Education leads to people centered development – a knowledgeable population that can strive for better lives.

(1) SELF Newsletter, 2002