SolarBuddy quality control in Sumba guarantees safe light for children and rural schools
Swiss expertise ensures that every SolarBuddy lamp functions effectively for children and families in Sumba.
Electricity remains a privilege that millions of families in remote parts of Indonesia still lack. In East Sumba, darkness falls quickly, and children must study by candlelight or kerosene lamps that pollute the air they breathe. Families walk long, dangerous paths at night—often to fetch water—risking injuries on rocky terrain. Without light, evening schoolwork becomes nearly impossible and daily life remains unsafe.
In this context, the Fair Future Foundation, in collaboration with Rotary and SolarBuddy, has made a significant impact on the island: delivering 2,224 solar lamps for children, along with 24 larger units for schools. This effort goes beyond merely providing light; it addresses critical safety, education, and health issues. After a long and complex journey of nearly six months, navigating customs exemptions, taxes, and import permit challenges, the lamps have finally arrived at Rumah Kambera, our socio-medical base in East Sumba.
Before distribution, each lamp underwent thorough testing. Over two intensive days, a dedicated team of more than ten volunteers, alongside Rotary members Bridget, Adrian, and John, carefully inspected, repaired, and registered all 2,224 lamps. Five detailed workshops were held, covering functional testing, labelling, digital registration in the SolarBuddy Tracker app, packaging, and repairs. Every lamp was checked for small faults and given a unique code to ensure ongoing traceability. Storage containers of 50 units were also labelled; once delivered, these containers will stay in villages as water tanks, encouraging hygiene and handwashing in schools.
This strict quality control reflects the precision and dedication typical of Swiss foundations like the Fair Future Foundation. With 16 years of experience, Swiss expertise guarantees not only that each lamp works but that broken ones will be repaired or replaced—a commitment to sustainability and innovative systems. Kawan Baik Indonesia has also played a vital role, demonstrating our integrated approach in the region.
Thanks to this collaborative effort, thousands of children will soon be able to read, learn, and walk safely after sunset. Families will no longer depend on toxic kerosene fumes. For them, light is more than illumination—it is a tool for life, dignity, and health.
Alex Wettstein – Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu – August 18th, 2025