Putting a little light in the life of Kenyan orphans

For a child who has lost both parents, the world can be a scary place. So imagine an orphanage in which kids who are afraid of the dark have neither power nor lights. The Tumaini Miles of Smiles Centre in western Kenya (www.tumainimilesofsmiles.org) was initiated by a group of caring locals, who have dedicated themselves to helping the area’s people break out of the poverty cycle, and to caring for the numerous orphans. Unfortunately, they lack many resources we take for granted.

In March 2010, Miles of Smiles volunteer and EKO Community Coordinator, Rhondda Boer, contacted EKO Energy and told our CEO about the Miles of Smiles Centre to see if we could help out. Immediately, Erik Zimmermann offered support. EKO Energy has made a commitment to donate 1% of our profits to community aid; the Tumaini Miles of Smiles Solar Aid Project is the very first of what we hope to be many.

As a result, EKO Energy is providing a solar lighting system for the Miles of Smiles Centre, and our staff and installers have embraced the many challenges. The first problem they found was that the centre has no wiring: a conventional solar system like we install for homes here in Australia just wouldn’t work. But after some research, we found a Solar Gem lighting system consisting of unbreakable polymer panels, LED lights and batteries. This system will provide lighting for study and relaxation for four hours a night in three areas: the school classroom, the orphanage common room and the volunteer buildings.

The next problem was getting it to its destination without mishap. Toll Holdings generously stepped forward with two 20-foot containers to carry the equipment safely to Kenya, along with goods donated for the children by Rezeko staff, installers, the community and a number of organisations. Toll has also undertaken the not-insignificant task of ensuring safe passage all the way to the village in Kenya.

According to EKO Energy CEO, Erik Zimmermann: “I’m really excited about the idea of bringing renewable energy within reach of a remote building in a country on the other side of the world… without doubt it will make a big impact on the kids at the orphanage and those people assisting them.”

EKO Energy thanks our staff, installers and the community groups supporting this project including: principally, Rhondda and Ralph Boer;  and the congregation of the Wangaratta Wesley Church; Lois and David Tharrat; Benalla Hospital; Toll Holdings; Crayola; Solar Gem; Bicycles for Humanity; Macquarie Leasing; Legend Australia Holdings; Lichfield; Morgan’s Paints; Hang Studio; the Bicycles Super store; Anaconda; and Fort Knox Storage.