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Stories
Phoebe Karami and John Mina Kimani, Kenya
Phoebe and John are hard working, dedicated parents of seven children. Phoebe is employed as a matron, responsible for feeding sixty five school children and often acting as a live in mom for twenty five boarders. John’s motorbike allows him the luxury of offering public transportation to people in the Njabini area. His cell phone is on twenty four/seven and he is available in a moments notice in order to make 100 shillings (a little more than a dollar). Phoebe and Mina have permanent smiles on their faces. Their children have inherited the same demeanor. Education is a priority in this household. The first six children, between the ages of four and nineteen, have received the best education their parents could provide for them. The youngest, age two, will receive the same. As a result of the UTL-1 lights acquired through Unite to Light and The Flying Kites Leadership Academy, a 501(c)(3) entity and one of Unite to Light’s distribution partners, there are now two solar lamps in this household. When asked for comments, Phoebe’s response was moving. “We believe the level of our children’s education will improve tremendously with the ability to study later in the evening. God Bless Flying Kites and Unite to Light.” The financial impact on this family is also massive. Phoebe no longer purchases kerosene for the household. Savings amount to two hundred shillings (US$2.34) per week. The drought in the area has left her garden barren. Savings accumulated each month as a result of these lamps allows this family of nine to eat dinner for a week. Along with the financial and educational benefits of this small, easy to use solar lamp, Phoebe also notices physical advantages. She no longer has black soot when she sneezes. The same goes for her children. In addition to the social impact of this product, one of the most rewarding aspects is to see how happy Terina, Peter and John are doing their homework. Their smiles light up the room, not as bright as this desk lamp, but close. |
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