Lighting a path to a better future

Bobberlanka, a remote village surrounded by forested regions and riverbanks, has always faced significant challenges due to poor infrastructure and environmental risks. Night time used to shut everything down in this marginalized Dalit tribal village of India. The lack of electricity and proper lighting, coupled with the fear of dangers like venomous snakes and insects kept families confined after sunset.

This lack of infrastructure was also a barrier to education for children who had to study under dim kerosene lamps, straining their eyesight and creating fire hazards. Evening hours meant for play and learning were cut short. Outside there was increased stranger danger.

It was stealing the choices of children like Kokila, 14, who often miss school, especially during the monsoon and winter seasons when darkness comes early, waiting to start her day and make the trip to school when the sun comes up. She and her parents were afraid of safety issues.

“The roads were filled with darkness, making it dangerous to walk from school,” she says.

Bobberlanka was, in many ways trapped, with fewer options to improve life in the community.

A beacon of hope for bobberlanka

Recognizing the urgent need for change, Children Believe, through its partner, the Child Rights Advocacy Foundation (CRAF), initiated a solar lighting project in May 2023. Initially planned for ten communities, the project expanded to include 19, resulting in the installation of 56 solar streetlights and portable solar lamps for 65 families.

Solar lighting has transformed daily life, especially for children’s education. “Earlier, parents were reluctant to send their children to school,” shares Ramkrishna, a teacher in the village. “Today, it’s encouraging to see a growing number of students, particularly girls, attend school regularly and with renewed enthusiasm.”

For Kokila, these lights have been life-changing

“Now, with the lights guiding us, I feel safe and determined to achieve my goals,” she says. Kokila dreams of becoming a veterinary doctor, a future attainable thanks to this new safety that supports access to education.

Lights break through the darkness

Children, adolescents and women have gained a new sense of freedom and security through improved lighting, which allows them to step out for various activities and safely access necessary services that were previously limited to daytime. Solar-powered lights have disrupted the harsh realities once faced in Bobberlanka, creating pathways to a brighter future.

“We can now meet in the evenings, discuss our savings, and plan for collective growth,” shares Lakshmi, a member of a local self-help group.

Explore more inspiring stories like this in the latest edition of ChildVoice!

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Childfund Alliance

A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.