"Light" Illuminates Children's Future -- Panasonic Donates 400 Solar Lanterns to Unlit Areas in Ethiopia

Parents and children in Garo Korfa village receiving lanterns.

In the mountainous regions of southern Ethiopia, there are areas without electricity where it is difficult to go outside or for children to study after dark.

HOPE International Development Association (Headquarters: Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Secretary General: Jeffrey Beer), a certified NPO, with the support of Panasonic Holdings Corporation, delivered 400 solar lanterns to children and their families in the region.

A pre-distribution survey revealed that households with lower cash incomes bear a higher proportion of lighting costs. Furthermore, due to kerosene shortages caused by the situation in the Middle East after 2025, more households are relying on candles and firewood.

This lantern distribution is expected to improve nighttime safety and children's learning environments, as well as reduce household expenses.

In villages without electricity, "night" means giving up on activities.

Garo Korfa village is located in a mountainous area without a power grid, and complete darkness falls after sunset.

Residents have been living with inconvenience and danger, such as nighttime trips to the toilet or fetching water, and children's homework. In many households, kerosene lamps have been the only source of light.

However, from 2025 onwards, affected by the situation in the Middle East, the supply of not only gasoline but also kerosene has become unstable, leading to an increase in households using candles and firewood as alternative light sources.

The use of firewood not only burdens household finances but also leads to deforestation, posing new environmental challenges in a region where landslides have become frequent in recent years.

Due to kerosene shortages, more households are using kerosene lamps and candles as light sources.

"Poverty of Light" Revealed in Pre-Distribution Survey

On the day of distribution, HOPE International Development Association conducted a survey of living conditions for 12 households.

The survey revealed the following realities:

11 out of 12 households use kerosene lamps.

Households switching to candles or firewood due to kerosene shortages were confirmed.

Health effects such as eye pain, coughing, and headaches were confirmed in all households using kerosene lamps.

100% of households responded that they "try not to go out as much as possible due to fear" at night.

Many households have children whose study time is limited by darkness.

Furthermore, a comparison of estimated annual cash income based on farmland income and lighting costs for the 12 surveyed households showed that households with lower cash incomes had a higher proportion of lighting costs, sometimes accounting for 30-60% of their annual income.

While "light" is essential for life, the survey highlighted the reality that the poorest households are forced to bear the greatest burden.

Changes Brought by Solar Lanterns

The solar lanterns distributed this time do more than just illuminate the night.

Ensuring nighttime safety

Safety is improved for children and women when going to the toilet or fetching water at night.

Securing children's study time

Nighttime study at home becomes possible, leading to expanded educational opportunities.

Reducing household expenses

Purchase costs for kerosene and candles can be reduced, leading to expected household improvements.

Charging mobile phones

Mobile phones can be charged using the USB port on the solar lantern, reducing the burden on families who previously had to travel about an hour one way to town and pay 20 Birr to charge their phones.

With "Water, Sanitation, and Light," Life Moves Forward

Since 2023, HOPE International Development Association has been implementing projects such as the development of water supply facilities, the promotion of household toilets, and income-generating activities by women's groups in the project areas.

With the addition of safe water, a sanitary environment, and now "light," residents' lives are expected to become safer and more sustainable.

Explanation of how to use the lantern.

Voices of joy from the field

At the distribution ceremony, there were loud cheers from children and parents, and many families expressed their joy.

"My child can study even at night."

"I can go to the toilet with peace of mind."

"I don't have to walk far to charge my mobile phone anymore."

Solar lanterns are not just lighting devices; they are symbols that illuminate people's peace of mind, safety, education, and hope for the future.

A family in Garo Korfa village using a distributed solar lantern.

Project Overview

Project Name: Light up the future programme Supporting Company: Panasonic Holdings Corporation Project Location: Garo Korfa Village, Southern Ethiopia Distribution Date: May 21, 2026 Number Distributed: 400 solar lanterns Main Beneficiaries: 331 students from Garo Korfa Elementary School and nearby elementary schools, and 25 teachers from both schools. Estimated Beneficiaries: Approximately 1,500 people