The Gift of Light

Being from the United States I have been blessed to have light as my constant helper in life. If it is a cloudy day and dark outside, I just flip a switch and I have light to read, work, study, or eat a meal.  If it is 10:30 at night and the moon is barely showing a sliver of light I touch a lamp with my finger and… Wazaam!!!!! Let there be light! In case of a power outage, although this is rare, have no fear batteries are near.  During these short terms of darkness, Americans have easy access to flash lights, cell lights, and all sorts of gadgets that light up. If all else fails there are generators to back everything up.  Although this system gives us constant light whenever we wish, it is an expensive and complex system. 

On the contrary the people of Tanzania live in another world that is simple and hard.  Much of the Tanzania population is outside of the reach of the existing power network.  And even if they live within the range of the existing power lines, most cannot afford to pay for a monthly power bill.  Most would think “so they are not blessed with light bulbs and power what’s the big deal”.  The problem is many live in houses and huts that in order to keep the home warm during cold days and nights only have one small window to light the house.  So without many options people live in darkness.  I understood that in order for an idea to really help the people of Tanzania, you must make sure that the average citizen and easily learned can afford the idea.  As I thought of the problem of people living in the dark, I realized that the people needed a cheap way to give light to their house.  I soon realized the sun provides us with plenty of light during the day, but it is blocked from entering the homes of the people.  The answer soon came as harnessing the suns light by letting it into dark homes.  I know it seems obvious but none of the people who need it the most practice this solution.  The answer is installing skylights.  A house can drastically be lit up with the simple installation of a 3x2 foot clear fiber-plastic piece of corrugated roofing for the cheap price of 5,000 shillings or the equivalent of $3 US dollars.  Although this is just a start, the concept still needs to spread. Those in poverty can choose to better their lives and live more in the light.  Our hope is that everyone can enjoy the gift of light.