The residents of Loi Lum Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Shan State, Burma live in a remote area without access to electricity from the main power grid. These people have been displaced from their own villages due to violence in the region and receive limited funding from main humanitarian aid agencies. The camp currently uses kerosene lamps and candles – an inefficient, expensive, and dangerous form of lighting that causes constant fire hazards. The local school is unable to power computers, affecting local education standards and opportunities.
Loi Lum IDP Camp @ Shan State, Burma
By partnering with the Shan State Development Foundation – a community based organisation which provides health, education and development programs, we brought solar power to this vulnerable community. Together, we provided reliable, eco-friendly lighting to the 120 camp residents, decreased risks posed by fires, and allowed children to study after dark. This project allows residents to save money, enables the use of computers at school, and increases overall health within the community.
Solar electricity is the most effective renewable energy source in South-East Asia due to the plentiful annual sunshine. The use of solar energy builds sustainable eco-friendly awareness in local communities, and empowers residents by combating reliance on constant aid handouts. Providing the camp’s school with solar energy has allowed the children access to computers and multimedia. This increases the educational standards at the camp and gives students the hope of a brighter future.
To read more about our project at Loi Lum IDP camp, please click here.
