Light Up the World - 2019

 

Who are we? 

SAIT students in partnership with Light Up the World (LUTW) organization are preparing to embark on a two week volunteer trip. Students will travel to rural Peruvian communities where access to the conventional electrical grid is non-existent. Using their knowledge of electrical systems, students will design and install basic battery based solar PV systems. These systems provide communities with access to basic electrical lighting and receptacles.

This year will mark the 3rd such project and our group is excited to learn more about the recipient community.  In the previous project a system was installed in a farming community of Romatambo in the Aquia district where power was provided to the nursery, community hall, community kitchen, and the dispensary. 

Why are we doing this?

Our goal is to raise awareness of the importance of access to clean energy and show the possibilities of application of PV technology.
Energy facilitates education. In many parts of the world, children work and do chores before and after school while there is daylight. This means that if there is a time to study, it’s usually in the evening. For hundreds of millions of students, living without electricity means that when darkness falls, their only option to study is by the dim light of a kerosene wick lamp. Quality home lighting immediately improves conditions for education in the home.

Living without electric light is expensive. A lack of access to electricity means some families spend as much as one third of their monthly income on inefficient lighting solutions such as kerosene, candles and single use batteries. With renewable energy systems that cost much less than burning kerosene on a daily basis, families have more disposable income they can spend on other priorities such as school fees, health care or a small business.

Clean energy is an investment in health. The toxic by-products released by burning fuels for light present a myriad of health and environmental issues. Fuel sources such as kerosene are a primary source of greenhouse gas emissions. Years of inhaling noxious gases can lead to severe respiratory illness and an open flame in the home increases the threat of fire and burns. Clean energy greatly reduces health risks.


 How will the money be used?

All money raised will be used to offset travel expenses and to purchase needed equipment. Thank you for your generosity.