Shining Hope Across Rwanda
- Category: News
- Date 29-10-2025
The Shine on Rwanda initiative lit up thousands of homes in the remote communities of Manyagiro and Nyamiyaga Sectors, Gicumbi District — bringing clean, safe, and sustainable light to families who had long lived in darkness. Through a partnership between Let There Be Light International (LTBLI) and NPO Think About Education in Rwanda (NPO TER), 3,000 solar lights were distributed to households in the off-grid cells.
For many residents, this project was more than just a distribution — it was a transformation of daily life.
The communities of Manyagiro and Nyamiyaga Sector are among Rwanda’s most energy-poor regions. Without access to the national grid, residents rely on costly and hazardous lighting sources like candles and flashlights. These not only strain household finances but also endanger health and safety.
The Shine on Rwanda project set out to change this narrative — one light at a time. Working closely with local leaders, NPO TER conducts community meetings to identify the most vulnerable households: elderly residents, students, expectant mothers, people living with HIV, and those with disabilities.
Each solar lamp represents a step toward energy justice and a brighter, healthier future.
Before receiving their lamps, beneficiaries attended training sessions led by NPO TER staff and volunteers. The sessions focused on:
Proper solar charging and safe handling
Maintenance tips to extend battery life
Environmental benefits of clean energy
The interactive approach ensured that even elderly and low-literacy participants could confidently use and care for their lamps.
The most powerful stories came from the people themselves — individuals whose lives have been transformed by this simple yet life-changing technology.
“The solar light helps me cook dinner for my family. Before, candles would blow out or drip into the food. Now, we cook safely.” — Liliane
“With the solar light, my child can now revise at night. It also provides security for my family after dark.” — Theresia
“I am a health worker. Before, reaching patients at night was nearly impossible. Now I can respond to emergencies safely — the light helps me serve my community better.” — Olive
From students studying after sunset to mothers breastfeeding safely at night, the stories carry a common message: light brings dignity, safety, and opportunity.
The ripple effects of the 3,000 solar lights distributed through the Shine on Rwanda project are transforming community life in profound ways. Students can now study after dark, improving their academic outcomes, while households report fewer respiratory issues thanks to the reduction in kerosene smoke. Families are experiencing economic relief by saving money previously spent on candles and batteries, allowing them to allocate more funds toward essential needs like food and school supplies. The project has also fostered empowerment, particularly among women and the elderly, who now enjoy greater independence, safety, and confidence after dark. Beyond individual benefits, the shift to clean solar energy contributes to a healthier environment by reducing fossil fuel use and emissions. More than a one-time event, the Shine on Rwanda project represents a long-term commitment to ending energy poverty through sustainable, community-led solutions. With continuous monitoring and support from NPO TER and Let There Be Light International (LTBLI), the lamps remain functional and impactful months after distribution. As one beneficiary, Dative, expressed, “This light has brought me hope, dignity, and a way out of darkness — both literally and emotionally.” Thanks to the collaboration between LTBLI, NPO TER, and local leaders, thousands of Rwandan families now experience the life-changing power of clean light — a true symbol of hope, health, and opportunity that proves even the smallest light can brighten an entire community.
#ShineOnRwanda #EnergyForAll #LetThereBeLightInternational