SonLight Power Earns Large Grant from The P&G Fund
December 22, 2011
Thanks to the service of our countless supporters over the past decade, SonLight Power (SLP) has been entrusted with a $47,000 grant from The P&G Fund to extend our solar-powered outreach into Mexico. SLP will make an immediate and sustained impact in the lives of disadvantaged children, youth, and families in the Mexican state of Chiapas.
In collaboration with Save the Children Mexico and Enlace, SLP will install solar power systems at six remote schools in communities with limited or no access to the electrical grid and/or where the cost of grid access is a deterrent to sustained use. Multiple generations, including an estimated 30,000+ lives, will be impacted over the lifetime of the solar power systems.
"The P&G Fund is proud to support the work of SonLight Power to bring light to children and their families in Mexico. This project can help children make progress in school and provide energy for storage and administration of necessary medical treatment. It's a great way to demonstrate P&G's Purpose of touching and improving lives."
– Sean Parker, P&G Manager of Community Relations
The solar power systems are targeted for installation in August 2012. Based on previous results attained in Latin America, SLP's efforts will significantly impact learning, retention, and interest in schoolwork. Educational objectives for the program are benchmarked against trends prior to solar power system installation, such as:
- Increased annual student graduation rate
- Decreased annual student dropout rate
- Increased student academic performance
- Increased student interest in continuing education
- Increased teacher instructional engagement
- Increased weekly instructional efficiency
Because SLP's solar power systems uniquely complement other initiatives designed to improve the quality of life in remote communities, desired outcomes are not limited to education. Evidence shows that SLP solar power-enabled schools double as community centers after class hours in off-grid villages. For example, these schools also host community events, adult education classes, medical clinics, and communication hubs. Such activities improve overall wellness, skills training, and economic development while limiting carbon emissions.
Therefore, when benchmarked against prior trends, other program objectives could include:
- Increased annual number of community/market activities
- Increased annual number of medical screenings
- Reduced burn and smoke poisoning incidents in schools using enclosed fire stoves for heating during cold months
At SonLight Power, we are extremely grateful for support from The P&G Fund and for the blessings this support will provide those we serve. Thanks P&G!
