Teachers report in Madagascar that children with access to Light Libraries are more motivated and engaged in class because they can finish their homework, listen to news and programmes on the radio, and no longer breathe in toxic kerosene lamp fumes. The Light Library lamps are also used in school classrooms when rain turns the summer sky black or on darker winter days. 

Teacher Nirina Anjaratiana Razanakotonavo

“They also have petrol stains or candle wax on their notebooks – and they usually don’t finish their homework.” Nirina Anjaratiana Razanakotonavo teaches at a small community school with 267 pupils in rural Madagascar and has seen students’ lives – and grades - boosted since they started using Light Library light sticks in June 2023.

“Pupils are more engaged in class. They can answer questions because they can review their notes at home. We have had three exams since last year and we’ve seen significant improvement in pupils’ grades. We can now light the classes on dark days. And the children are more active because they live in a better environment.”

“As a teacher and a director of the school, I’m often required to work at night. Before I had the light if I had urgent work, I had to cancel my classes to work during the day. Now I can do both, take my classes and work on school management. I am more productive.”

A Light Library is simply a stock of lights and power packs that can be rented for a small fee and are recharged by a central solar panel system. They are located in schools to primarily benefit pupils, allowing them to study safely at home after dark, but of course, the rest of the family can also benefit. The teachers manage the libraries and earn a small income from part of the rental fees. This is meaningful to them as they are often underpaid or not paid at all, and they ensure the good care and sustainability of the library.  The remaining part of the fees goes towards servicing and replacement.

So far we have established light libraries in 46 schools with almost 10,000 pupils. This spring we will install light libraries in 20 schools and are seeking funding to reach a further 40 before the rainy season at the end of the year. This has the potential to reach another 12,000  pupils and their families with safe, clean, and affordable lighting.

We are setting up “Light Libraries” to light up homes and schools. And until April 25th, through our exciting partnership with Big Give, your donations to this life-changing programme are being doubled.