Dagne and Emebet: The Many Benefits of Solar Lighting
Dagne and Emebet, residents of the Warkit kebele (community) in Dangla, have no lack of words to describe how their new solar lantern provided by Project Ethiopia has made a significant difference in the quality of life for their family. On a rainy Monday morning in August, Dagne, Emebet and their son, Solomon, arrived at Workineh’s office on a busy street in Dangla town at 7:00 am. Having received their solar lantern in early June, they were coming to share their experience over Zoom with Project Ethiopia’s Executive Director, Sue Wilkes, in Seattle.
After greetings and introductions, the first discussion item focused on the challenges and problems their family encountered having to rely on kerosene lamps to light their home. Without missing a beat, Emebet jumped right in and had LOTS to say!
One of the biggest challenges, she noted, was the overall in efficiency of kerosene lighting and how purchasing fuel each month was a financial burden. According to Emebet, their kerosene lamp only provided a “small amount of light” and was never enough to cover the area in the main living room where the family ate and the children studied. With the rising cost of fueland the family’s limited income, they were forced to use the lamps sparingly each night, often going to bed very soon after it was dark (typically between 6:00 – 7:00 pm year-round due to Ethiopia’s proximity to the equator) and the family had finished dinner.
Another problem Emebet highlighted, and an even more important reason to use the kerosene lamps as little as possible, are the potential negative health effects from kerosene fumes and smoke. The products generated by burning kerosene have been linked to a number of adverse health effects including respiratory ailments and an increased susceptibility to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis.
Next, the conversation moved on to the many positive impacts of a high quality, efficient solar lantern, including how it is supporting their children’s learning and studies. Completing high school, let alone university or technical school, was never a possibility for Dagne and Emebet. When revolution broke out in 1974, interruption to the educational system meant Dagne could only complete his education through grade 9 and Emebet through grade 5. While their own educations were permanently disrupted, both parents are deeply committed to making sure their children have the educational opportunities they did not.
When the only source of lighting for the family was a kerosene lamp, there was very little time after dark during which the children could complete their school work. Rather, they had to fit most of their study time into the daylight hours; hours when they also have many other farm and family responsibilities. According to Dagne and Emebet’s 18 year-old son, Solomon, having a high quality solar lantern has already made a big difference.
“Before we couldn’t study after dark, but now I am happy. I can study more in the evening with the solar light. I am the same as the town boys who have electricity.”
The extension of light beyond when the sun sets has other important benefits for the family. Now that there is plenty of clean solar lighting available once it is dark, Dagne and the older children can complete the farming activities a little later as there isn’t the rush to eat early and be done once it is dark. The extension of the day also allows Emebet to have additional time after dinner to complete activities such as spinning cotton for their clothing and preparing food for the next day.
Finally, another important feature of the solar lantern distributed by Project Ethiopia is its ability to also charge a cell phone. As a community leader active in several committees and leadership positions, Dagne is assured that his phone will be charged and he can be in contact with other farmers in the area as issues arise. Dagne is also a member of the Warkit Farmers’ Association founded and supported by Project Ethiopia. This group meets monthly to share ideas and techniques that will result in improved farming, increased yield, and greater economic resilience. As a member, he often needs to be touch with other members and now there are no barriers to communication.
