How Solar Lamps Are Revolutionizing Lives in Remote East Sumba, Empowering Education, Safety, and Daily Activities Without Electricity.
Solar lamps are enabling children in East Sumba to conquer darkness, allowing them to study, live safely, and flourish in homes without electricity.
In the ultra-rural village of Mbinudita, located in East Sumba, electricity is nonexistent, and life flourishes under the warm, steady glow of a few SolarBuddy solar lamps. This collection features 15 images inviting you into a traditional Sumbanese house constructed of mud and bamboo, offering a glimpse into the daily life of a young boy. The photos tell a story that is both intensely personal and reflective of the challenges shared by thousands in this region.
Captured without artificial lighting, the images show a child studying by the light of a SolarBuddy lamp provided by Fair Future and Kawan Baik Indonesia. With a pencil or spoon in hand, he remains focused on his lessons or his meal. The SolarBuddy lamp illuminates not only his notebook or plate but also his future.
“Light brings hope to seemingly hopeless places. For the children of East Sumba, just one solar lamp serves as a link between darkness and opportunity.” — Alex Wettstein, CEO and Founder
These photos reveal more than just his study habits; they depict the boy relying on the same lamp for essential activities like eating, fetching water, going to school, and preparing for bed. The lamp accompanies him as he fetches water from remote wells, allowing him to navigate difficult paths safely. After being recharged under Sumba’s intense sunlight, this solar lamp becomes a constant companion, transforming dark evenings into manageable and productive moments.
Living without electricity is the norm for most families in the ultra-remote villages of East Sumba and surrounding areas. However, these solar lamps provide a solution, bridging the gap between adversity and opportunity. They enhance security, open doors to education, and restore dignity by making everyday tasks easier.
We invite you to view this series of images showcasing the profound impact of something as simple as a SolarBuddy solar lamp.
Enjoy this close-up glimpse of life in Mbinudita, and let these images inspire you to support our efforts to bring light and hope to the world’s most challenging areas.
We cordially invite all captivated by this story to explore our photo gallery, witness this extraordinary effort, and further engage with our mission through our Instagram account.
Alex Wettstein – Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu – the 4th of December 2024