Global Brightlight Foundation

Energy poverty (lack of access to electricity) is an issue facing over 1 billion people in the world. These people, who often live in rural farming communities, rely on expensive and sometimes dangerous energy sources to access power. They light their homes with candles, kerosene, or batteries – all low-quality fuels that are expensive, dangerous, and polluting. To charge a cell phone, their only form of communication beyond their village, they must also travel many hours, or even days, and pay someone for electricity. Solar lanterns and solar home systems provide clean, high-quality lighting and cell phone charging capabilities at an affordable price. These products significantly increase the quality of life for families living in rural areas and provide economic, health, educational, and time-saving benefits. Solar energy is also good for the environment because it does not produce emissions that contribute to global climate change. Founded in 2011, GBF has worked in nine different countries and deployed over lamps, impacting the lives of people. GBF is currently focusing its efforts in Guatemala and Peru, working in alliance with local not-for-profit Amigos de la Aldea.