Double the Lamps, Double the Light!

LIGHTING HOPE FOR HAITI -- PORT-AU-PRINCE BLOG

Double the Lamps, Double the Light!

by Christina S. on October 20, 2011

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Cambridge, MA

The earthquake in Haiti has displaced hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom now live huddled together under tarps and tents. Nearly five months after the earthquake, streetlights remain in disrepair and the electrical grid is without much power. The lack of lighting in housing camps exacerbates an already fragile security situation. Women in these camps feel unsafe walking at night, as rape and incidents of physical abuse are rising in number. Community groups in these areas-- labeled “red zones” by international groups shortly after the earthquake-- are only now being approached by relief organizations to improve aid distribution and post-earthquake reconstruction. Citizen Effect is working with Earthspark International to distribute solar-powered lamps to women in these camps, harnessing local community groups to prioritize distribution to those most in need. The initiative focuses on camps located in Cité Soleil, a red zone in which more than half the population feels unsafe at night. Providing adequate lighting for the women of Cité Soleil and greater Port-au-Prince will make it safer for them to travel at night. As one of the camp residents Madame Pierre related to EarthSpark: “The lamp is very useful. I use it when I need to go out at night.” Become a Citizen Philanthropist for this project, and provide 32 women of Port-au-Prince with a clean and reliable source of light and power.

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