Philippines-Dubai

The pressing challenge at hand is the pervasive energy poverty experienced by climate-vulnerable communities, where the reliance on costly and environmentally damaging carbon-based fuels is widespread. In these communities, access to clean and reliable energy is severely limited, leading to significant repercussions on various facets of life. The health of community members diminishes as toxic fumes from traditional energy sources compromise air quality, while productivity plummets due to inadequate energy for essential activities. Families, especially women, are affected by the costs of conventional energy sources like kerosene, which places a heavy financial strain on household budgets. These communities grapple with the dire consequences of air pollution, the depletion of local forests through deforestation, and the ongoing challenges of financial instability, which hinder their ability to thrive and adapt in an already vulnerable environment.

Many communities face a significant challenge in transitioning to cleaner energy solutions due to a lack of technical expertise and resources. It’s crucial not only to provide energy but also to ensure that the transition is sustainable and that the community is actively involved in the process. Unfortunately, many initiatives fail because they do not engage the community in the design or implementation stages, resulting in locals becoming passive recipients instead of active participants in creating their own solutions.

The model centers on training local women’s cooperatives to transition from dirty, costly carbon-based fuels to clean energy solutions, thereby creating income opportunities for their families. We engage these cooperatives from the beginning, co-creating solutions and empowering them with the technical skills needed to address energy poverty while retaining ownership of the process. These cooperatives evolve into micro-entrepreneurs and trainers, capable of empowering other communities. This model has been successfully replicated in disaster-stricken areas, displacement camps, and low-income urban neighbourhoods.

We assist climate-vulnerable communities in transitioning to clean energy by utilizing hyper-local production, repairable technologies, and innovative financing. Throughout this process, we engage with the community through consultations, ensuring they take the lead in finding solutions. Our network includes local cooperatives, migrant communities, and volunteers from youth groups and professional organizations.

In 2020, we launched «Light It Forward,» an online campaign aimed at sustaining our mission during the pandemic. Over 8,000 young leaders from the Philippines and the UAE constructed solar lights, benefiting more than 100,000 people over three years. Our solar art installations, the largest of their kind, raised awareness and offered sustainable lighting solutions to communities in need.

The approach aims to decrease dependence on complex international supply chains by empowering local communities with customized, «hyperlocal» products. Guided by South-South principles, the strategy emphasizes local ownership, leadership, access to raw materials, and technology transfer. Experience has shown that for every solar-powered light, mobile charger, or streetlight solution provided through training, the number of similar solutions replicated is typically 6 to 10 times higher.

By adopting solar solutions, households can save up to $3 per day on their electricity bills. This savings allows families to invest in essential areas such as nutrition, health, education, and agriculture, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being. Reliable access to solar energy increases household productivity, whether it’s for completing chores, doing schoolwork, or engaging in business activities.

Additionally, it reduces the health risks associated with carbon-based fuels, which can lead to conditions like asthma and respiratory infections. The hand-built streetlights benefit local farmers and fishers by improving transportation to markets and significantly reducing crime and violence by up to 70%. They also provide better study conditions for students at night, boosting their productivity and future opportunities.

Women’s cooperatives and community collectives trained as solar engineers are creating small businesses and empowering others in their communities. This successful model is being replicated across various regions, promoting economic growth and sustainability.

Through the “Light It Forward: Messages of Hope” campaign, thousands of young people, city residents, and local leaders have worked together to build solar lights for off-grid, climate-vulnerable communities. This initiative has earned two Guinness World Records for public engagement and impact in 2018 and 2024.