
The idea for the light came earlier this year, when the foundation was preparing to deliver 10 pre-fabricated classrooms to Rusununguko Primary School. Conditions there were so poor that teachers held the classes in tents under the hot sun. In July, the foundation delivered the classrooms; volunteers assembled them at the site. Inside the container with the classrooms they included nine solar street lights.
The first one has been installed within the area of the school and uses power from the sun collected during the day to shine at night. Zimbabwe is one of the poorest countries in southern Africa, with a chronic shortages of fuel and consumer goods. Due to these shortages of fuel and electricity, the solar street light has special significance. The darkness in the neighborhood is a matter of great concern for the residents; it means that they cannot sleep easily in their beds, for fear of crime. The street lamp is like a beacon of light, giving them a sense of security. It is a matter of great pride for them. The residents plan to organize night patrols, to improve the security.

(Tzu Chi volunteers in Zimbabwe 8/10/2012)
※Tzu Chi to Build Seven Classrooms for Open-air School in Zimbabwe
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- Tzu Chi to Build Seven Classrooms for Open-air School in Zimbabwe
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