Lighting up the world of the needy with solar light kits

At an age where some kids play sick to avoid school, students in parts of Africa and war-struck countries are literally chasing the sun to get an education, as they have no electricity to do their homework.
However, a UAE-based humanitarian group is trying to light up their world by donating solar light kits so they can do their schoolwork.
Beacon of Hope UAE, an initiative founded by and under the patronage of Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, will distribute 3,000 lights to refugee children in the Mrajeeb Al Fhood camp and the Za'atri camp in Jordan this month.
Singing sensation Akon will be travelling with the team of Beacon of Hope to support their cause.
"We have developed a simple solar light kit that we take, along with books donated by Dubai Cares, to youth living in war-torn or impoverished areas of the world. We travel along with our light kits to these areas, where we give the children a lesson in the science of light, and help them assemble their own light, which they keep," said Larisa Miller, the co-chair of Beacon of Hope.
"In Africa, energy poverty is abject, and most children have never had access to an artificial light and chase the sunlight just to do their homework. This light provided by Beacon of Hope UAE was an impactful gift, allowing them to see after sunset.  A small solar light will enable them to read, do homework, and have a small amount of personal security. And while this light illuminates the night, it also has the power to illuminate their minds."
In 2016, the group was able to deliver 3,000 solar lights, but this year they aim to distribute more than 70,000. The group has helped the needy and refugees with the solar kits in Liberia and Morocco.
Miller said the reactions from the children who receive the solar lights have been incredible.
"One young girl in rural Nimba County, Liberia, assembled her light, and when it turned on, she started to cry after realising that this light would 'make the night not-so-scary' and that it was hers to keep," she said.
Miller also shared the conditions the team saw in Morocco, including meeting babies who were abandoned at birth.
The team visited the Fiers et Forts orphanage, where Solar Impulse Pilot Bertrand Piccard, Akon and Dr Thani Alzeyoudi, Minister of State for Climate Change and Environment, helped assemble the solar kits for the orphans.
"In Morocco, there are so many orphanages, and because adoption is now illegal, these children will never be able to be a part of a family. The orphanages are full because women are forced to utilise prostitution for survival.
"Last year alone, over 7,000 babies were abandoned at birth, with out of wedlock being a crime for women. The stories of these children were so moving," she said.
Beacon of Hope, which has 220 volunteers, will be in Jordan next to help the refugees with solar light kits.