One of the ways that Christian Aid provide support for some of the poorest communities in the world is through funding and training of small local organisations. These local groups have the advantage of knowing the people and knowing the situation. In this short video today we see the difference that helping individuals stand on their own feet and set up a small business makes. We'll also hear about one initiative from a group called Tough Stuff who provide affordable solar panel kits.
I lived in Kenya for a year and in Kenya it gets dark at about 6pm every night and gets light at about 6am every morning. So if you're going to study for school, or read, or do anything in the home during the 12 hours of darkness you need a light - and many families have no access to any kind of national grid. So this means purchasing fuel for lamps - money that can't then be used for medicines or school or food. But affordable small solar panels that can be linked to a light and a battery charger can make a real difference, as you'll see here.
