_This project started with a visit from Pastor Kofi Fosuhene and Osei Darkwa to Santa Barbara.  They explained that many people in Africa, who rely on kerosene for reading, suffer health problems and financial hardship.  Aware of the work done at UCSB's Institute for Energy Efficiency on high efficiency LED lights and high efficiency solar cells, Fosuhene and Darkwa asked if the Institute could design an affordable reading light.  Although many solar powered flashlights are available, they were interested in reading lights because of the problems related to children and education, a focus for both men. Concurrently, Jock Bovington and the Engineers without Borders - UCSB Lighting Group were exploring solutions for this problem. In concert the UCSB Institute for Energy Efficiency, Engineers without Borders, John Bowers, David Schmidt, Norm Gardner and Jock Bovington set about to solve this problem. After going through several designs, the first samples were sent to Ghana and met with great enthusiasm. Working on an ongoing basis through Goleta Presbyterian Church and another local nonprofit organization, more lights were sent to Presbyterian churches in Ghana and distribution began. Unite to Light, a non-sectarian effort, is now engaged with numerous organizations in over 33 countries on 4 continents in supplying solar based lighting to people in the developing world. Distribution partners include other non-profits, relief organizations, individuals developing small businesses in villages, private businesses which buy the lights in quantity, service clubs and Direct Relief International, a worldwide charity providing disaster relief and other services. Unite to Light is  now engaging with other organizations to supply solar based lighting to the developing world.