Bringing Light to Rwanda
- Category: News
- Date 10-03-2025
Many take access to electricity for granted, yet millions of people around the world still live in darkness once the sun sets. In Rwanda, off-grid communities struggle with daily challenges due to the lack of reliable lighting, which affects education, healthcare, and overall well-being. To combat energy poverty, NPO TER distributed 250 solar lights to the elderly, individuals with disabilities, students, teachers, social workers, and new and expectant mothers living in the off-grid communities of Gicumbi District, Rwamiko Sector.
The NPO TER team was joined by Let There Be Light International, Solar Health Uganda, and Shine on Rwanda. These organizations had the opportunity to be on the field with NPO TER, the implementing organization of Shine on Rwanda. Together, they distributed 200 solar lights and visited the homes of beneficiaries, and on the following day, they distributed an additional 50 solar lights while conducting a monitoring exercise to assess the impact of previous distributions.
Representatives from these organizations came together in Rwanda with a shared goal: to distribute solar lights to vulnerable households, assess the impact of previous distributions, and strengthen partnerships for future initiatives. The visit was more than just a distribution effort—it was an opportunity to engage with communities, understand their challenges, and develop long-term solutions.
The fieldwork began on March 3rd, as the teams traveled to the Rwamiko Sector in Gicumbi District, where many families live without access to electricity. A total of 150 solar lights were distributed to an off-grid community.
The excitement and gratitude from the beneficiaries were evident. For many, these lights meant children could study at night, families could feel safer, and healthcare workers could provide better services after dark.
To ensure the sustainability of the initiative, a monitoring exercise took place on March 5th, where the teams revisited previous beneficiaries and distributed an additional 50 solar lights. The goal was to evaluate the effectiveness of the project, understand usage patterns, and gather feedback from the community.
The findings reinforced the importance of solar lighting, with beneficiaries sharing stories of improved livelihoods, increased study hours for children, and enhanced security in their homes. This feedback is invaluable for refining future projects and ensuring maximum impact.
Beyond distribution, the trip was an opportunity to strategize and reflect. On March 6th, all participating organizations gathered for a seminar to discuss: the effectiveness of distribution strategies, Challenges faced during implementation, Sustainability measures for the project and Opportunities for expansion.
The session provided a platform for knowledge exchange and reinforced the importance of partnerships in driving impactful initiatives. Following the discussions, the teams had a networking lunch and later joined a virtual meeting with Madam President Marie Louise Towari to introduce their respective organizations and explore future collaboration opportunities.
This visit was not just about distributing solar lights—it was about empowerment, sustainability, and building a brighter future for off-grid communities. By working together, Let There Be Light International, Solar Health Uganda, Shine on Rwanda, and NPO TER have reaffirmed their commitment to creating lasting change.
As the project moves forward, the organizations aim to expand their reach to more off-grid communities, refine their distribution strategies, and Enhancing community engagement to ensure long-term adoption of solar technology
The journey to universal energy access is far from over, but with collective action, we can continue to brighten lives.