How Wireless Lights Transformed Lives in Sierra Leone
At The Light Providers, our mission is to combat light poverty by delivering sustainable and reliable solar-powered solutions to communities without access to electricity.
Recently, we had the privilege of providing wireless lights and portable solar panels to a dozen individuals in Sierra Leone facing daily challenges due to unreliable electricity. After several weeks of using these products, Abu Kargbo (Customer Success Manager) traveled across Sierra Leone to visit each person in their home and interview them to hear firsthand how these solutions have impacted their lives.
Why we Chose Sierra Leone:
Sierra Leone, a beautiful coastal country in West Africa, is known for its vibrant culture and resilient people. However, it is also a place where consistent access to electricity is a luxury, not a given. In some areas, residents endure blackouts that can last a few hours or go weeks without power. This lack of reliable electricity, often called light poverty, leaves families in darkness and hinders their ability to work, study, or feel safe at night. Unfortunately, Sierra Leone is not alone—light poverty affects over 700 million people worldwide, particularly in regions without access to sustainable energy infrastructure.
Our connection to Sierra Leone is deeply personal. It began when our co-founder Ishmael gifted his aunt a wireless solar light. That kindness sparked a vision for a brighter future, and The Light Providers was born. You can read more about our journey here.
The Gift of Light:
For those living without consistent electricity, the gift of light isn’t just a convenience—it’s life-changing. It means cooking safely at night, children having a bright space to do homework, and families gathering without fear of the dark. But beyond the practical benefits, the joy and sense of relief it brings are immeasurable.
When asked how they felt when they learned they were receiving a light from a loved one, Amy responded, “I felt overjoyed. I was overjoyed. I jumped. I'm short of words. I was overwhelmed.” Sallu explained that he spends the money he receives from loved ones quickly, but this light, several months later, is still working, and every day, it continues to bless him.
Rising to the Challenge:
We believe that if our wireless solar lights can meet the challenges faced by people in Sierra Leone, they can be a game-changer for anyone experiencing light poverty, grappling with power outages, or needing emergency lighting.
Please continue reading below for heartfelt testimonials from our recipients in Sierra Leone. Their words vividly show how even a small light can bring profound hope, empowerment, and transformation.
Adama: A Sense of Relief and Joy
Adama shared how versatile the light has been: "We use it in the living room, the bedroom, kitchen, dining room, and the surrounding areas to help us." Her joy was palpable: “Because of the light, it has solved a lot.” She expressed overwhelming happiness when she first received the lights from a loved one, saying, “I felt so good. I felt so happy. I never expected this.”
Amy: From Baking to Studying, Lights Made It Possible
For Amy, the lights brought newfound convenience and efficiency. “I had to bake cakes the other day, and I used the lights at night. It was very, very handy,” she said. Beyond baking, the lights also improved her ability to study. “During the massive blackouts, I always boast about this product to friends and family, telling them how it has helped me.”
Annie: Keeping the Family Together
Annie shared a heartwarming story about how the lights brought her family closer. “Now, my grandchildren don’t go to the neighbor’s house to watch films. Because we have the power bank, we can play films for them.” Our light doubles as a power bank, allowing Annie to charge a tablet and play movies for her grandchildren during blackouts. Our portable solar panel can also charge any small device using a USB cable, allowing it to charge different devices.
Brenda: A Problem Solver for Daily Life
Brenda praised the light’s portability and brightness, calling it a “big problem solver” for their electricity situation. “It has impacted my life,” she explained. “Especially for someone who has ill health, you have health issues. And you're not feeling right at night. It's so easy for you to stretch forth your hand and get hold of it. It's easy for you to move around with it. So, I think knowing you want to go to the bathroom and then you're not going in the dark, you're going with light, which is very, very important to me. So, I think, really, that's my testimony.” Brenda emphasized the impact on her quality of life, saying, “It has made life so easy.”
Isha: Supporting Learning and Daily Tasks
Thanks to the lights, learning to sew became much more manageable for Isha. “At night, especially when threading pins, it helps me a lot,” she said. Isha also appreciated the durability of the lights, remarking, “They are really strong, especially compared to others I’ve used.”
Mary: A Small Solar Panel, Big Impact
Mary loved the solar panel, even though she wished it were bigger. “I like the solar. I use it to charge my phone and light up my home when there’s no electricity. I don’t have to go out to charge my devices anymore.”
Muggi: Saving Money and Time
“The lights help me save money,” said Muggi, highlighting the cost-effectiveness compared to purchasing batteries or candles for unreliable alternatives. “I would recommend these lights worldwide—they are something valuable and guaranteed.”
Sallu: Grateful Beyond Words
Sallu emphasized how the light has eliminated darkness from his life. “With this light, I don’t stay in darkness. My neighbors often admire me and ask if I have electricity.” He added, “Any day I use the light, I remember and pray for those who provided it.”
Sammy: A Daily Essential
Living in a near-total blackout, Sammy shared how the light became a daily necessity. “It’s so useful. My family uses it every day. People who visit us often praise the lights, saying how nice and strong they are.”
Sudiatu: Independence from Charging Centers
Before receiving the lights, Sudiatu frequently visited charging centers to power her phone. Now, she no longer needs to. “I didn’t sleep in darkness, and I didn’t have to go out to charge my phone. Everything is okay now.”
Vera: Reliability at Its Best
Vera, a new mother, expressed her relief at finding a dependable light source. “The lights on the streets don’t last, but this one does. Any time I get up at night to ease myself or feed my daughter, the light is always on.” Waking up in darkness because of a blackout and trying to take care of a crying infant was nearly impossible. The light we provided allowed her to see and care for her baby comfortably.
A Bright Future
These testimonials reflect the transformative power of reliable, portable lighting. From empowering students to study, enabling families to save money, and creating safer homes, the impact of these products is undeniable.
Are you ready to bring light into your life or the lives of others? Explore our collection of wireless lights and solar panels today, and join us in the fight against light poverty.
