SolarBuddy lamps for Lapinu children for health, safety and education in remote East Sumba
Clean light, hygiene and prevention for one isolated mountain school
We are donating 38 SolarBuddy lamps to illuminate homes in Lapinu.
SolarBuddy lamps for Lapinu school children.
Reaching the small school in Matawai Katingga requires a nearly three-hour motorbike journey through the challenging terrains of dry hills, stones, and dust. We carry essential supplies, including SolarBuddy lamps, patient files, soap, and toothbrushes. This is not just a visit; it forms part of our mission for Primary Medical Care in one of East Sumba’s most remote areas.
Upon arrival, we are greeted by a hot bamboo classroom lacking electricity and running water. Instead, children depend on natural light filtering through the bamboo walls. At night, they are exposed to the harmful effects of kerosene and wood smoke, leading to respiratory problems, a significant health issue. Our team, in collaboration with Kawan Baik, stress the importance of clean light as a form of healthcare, preventing exposure to harmful pollutants.
We distribute lamps, instructing each child on how to charge them using solar energy and how to maintain them. Education on hygiene, safe water, nutrition, and basic healthcare is provided — transforming yellow containers into handwashing stations.
Using the SolarBuddy app, each lamp is monitored, offering transparency to Rotary and partners, emphasising logistics as a form of preventive medicine. This initiative combines medicine, engineering, and education, reducing the need for medication by tackling root causes. A little light, indeed, heralds change. From the hills, small green dots of light indicate each child’s newfound safety and health.
Fair Future and Kawan Baik Indonesia support us in this life-changing endeavour. Thank you very much.
Today, the 17th of November 2025 – Alex Wettstein
In Short – Why light is medicine
Replacing a single kerosene flame with a solar lamp can cut indoor smoke particles by nearly 90 per cent, which lowers pneumonia and asthma in children. Extra evening light lets them study safely at home instead of near roads or fires, reduces burns, and decreases family stress during long dark nights.
Wai Pa Luri Wangu | Rainwater tank for clean water access
SolarBuddy lamps Matawai Katingga for child health, prevention, and nighttime safety in East Sumba.
Clean solar light and hygiene lessons for one isolated bamboo school
Reaching the small school in Matawai Katingga takes a nearly three-hour motorbike journey through the challenging terrains of dry hills, stones, and dust. We carry essential supplies, including SolarBuddy lamps, patient files, soap, and toothbrushes. This is not just a visit; it’s part of our mission to provide primary medical care in one of East Sumba’s most isolated areas.
Upon arrival, we’re met with a hot bamboo classroom devoid of electricity and running water. Instead, children rely on natural light filtering through the walls. At night, they are exposed to the harmful effects of kerosene and wood smoke, which leads to respiratory issues — a significant health concern. Our team, in collaboration with Kawan, emphasises the importance of clean light as a form of healthcare, preventing exposure to harmful pollutants.
We distribute lamps, teaching each child how to charge them using solar energy and maintain them. Education on hygiene, safe water, nutrition, and basic healthcare is imparted — transforming yellow containers into handwashing stations.
Through the SolarBuddy app, each lamp is tracked, offering transparency to Rotary and partners, highlighting logistics as a form of preventive medicine. This initiative combines medicine, engineering, and education, reducing the need for medication by addressing its root causes. A little light, indeed, heralds change. From the hills, small green dots of light indicate each child’s newfound safety and health.
Fair Future and Kawan Baik Indonesia stand by us in this life-changing endeavour.
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 17th of November, 2025
Other inspiring organisations
List of Related Organisations with Hyperlinks
- WaterAid: Enhances access to clean water and sanitation through community systems and hygiene education.
- UNICEF WASH: Promotes safe water for children with scalable programmes and field guidance.
- WHO Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene: Establishes standards and health risk reduction tools.
- Rotary International: Supports community water infrastructure and technical partnerships.
- Malaria Partners International: Fosters malaria prevention at the intersection of water and health.
- SolarBuddy: Supplies solar lights that enhance safety and study time in communities without grid power.
- CDC Safe Water: Provides practical guidance on water safety and disease prevention.
