Project Light I
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 Installing solar panel for the local mosque
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Project Light 1 took place from July 2010 and revolved around intensive marketing and
raising awareness of the benefits of solar-powered lamps, particularly targeting the rural
womenfolk. NDI had made several follow up trips to the village since then and have managed
to reach to over 90 housewives - and hence rural households – to date.
Overall, the introduction of solar-powered lamps has brought many benefits to the villages.
During our conversations and feedback sessions, the women often cite that these solar-powered
lamps do not emit smoke or smell. Their walls are also not blackened, which used to be the
case with prolonged use of kerosene lamps.
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Without realizing it, these women were indirectly pointing out to us the signs of indoor air
pollution – which according to the WHO, has caused more than 1.5 million deaths annually
(World Health Organization, 2002). They are also feeling much less worried of the fire breaking
out when the lamp is left unattended, a common fear due to past occurrence of domestic fire that
burnt down two houses in the village.
Topmost in the women’s mind was the affordability of the solar lamp. Through a series of workshops
and informal discussions, we were able to explain and convince these women of the economic savings
they can enjoy if they switch to solar source of lighting.
Specifically, a rural household can save about US$64 annually if they replace 1 kerosene lamp with
1 solar powered lamp, a small sum for urban residents but a significant amount for these villages.
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The UKP4 |
Upon the completion of Project Light 1, NDI was invited for a sharing session with the Indonesian Presidential
Working Unit for Supervision and Management of Development (UKP4). Post-project photo exhibitions
were also held at all Singapore universities (NUS, NTU, SMU and SIM) and the Indonesian embassy in Singapore to
generate public awareness.
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Projects 
