Here comes the sun - Saving daylight in Uganda
March 2018
In the UK, we are entering into British Summertime and can look forward to enjoying longer days, with over 16 hours of daylight in the summer. But Uganda does not observe Daylight Saving Time, regardless of the time of year, the sun rises and sets at about the same time, giving around 12 hours of daylight.
EVC works in a very rural area of southern Uganda where it is dark by 7pm. Large parts of the district are without electricity for miles around. Those few who are fortunate enough to have solar panels will have a few hours of light in the evening.
For the great majority, when darkness falls it is pitch black, both inside and out, and it is difficult to even see your own hand in front of your face! There is no residual light from street lamps or other dwellings. This darkness leaves many people afraid of being exposed to thieves, wild animals and witchcraft; it is known as ‘the great evil’.
In order to improve the quality of life for children and families, over 100 individual solar lamps were purchased with funds raised by the Riseley Men’s Group in Bedfordshire. The lamps made an immediate difference to the children’s ability to study after dark and to general living conditions for the whole family.
Can you help us?
A donation of £5 provides a family with 2 hours of safe lighting per night, for an estimated period of 3 years.
If you’d like to contribute towards the next batch of solar lights, please make a donation and consider using Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer. Please contact us if you require any further information about this, or any of our projects.
Thank you for sharing the sunshine with our friends in Uganda.