PERU – Provision of solar lighting in villages of the Ancash region of the Cordillera Blanca

With the completion of the solar lighting project that we funded in Nepal, we are able to turn our attention to a similar Project providing affordable and sustainable solar lighting in some of the remote communities in northern Peru's Cordillera Blanca.

As in Nepal, many of the trekking routes in the Cordillera Blanca pass through numerous small village communities isolated from the outside world and living an existance that has barely changed in centuries. Their traditional way of life has charmed many a trekker passing through, but the reality of life here can be harsh.

The provision of solar lighting in these villages can make a big difference to the families living there. Without solar lighting, light is only available during daylight hours and any evening illumination is likely to be via kerosene lamps or candles, and kerosene is expensive whilst both that and candles pose a significant fire risk. Solar lighting means that families can work longer in the fields during harvest-time whilst still being able to cook during the evenings whilst the children can do their homework. Installation can, interestingly enough, also lead to a reduction in the birth rate as parents can see to do other things in the evenings! The solar lights, once installed, are rechargeable and easily repaired locally.

Our funding will supply lighting for the villages of Alpamayo, Piscaraccga and Pischcopampa in the Ancash region of the Cordillera Blanca, The 185 lights we will fund will be life-changing for some 160 households - about 800 people - plus some 26 remote sheep and cattle herders who live for up to nine months of the year in simple stone shelters. The lights will be distributed by Val Pithketly from our NGO partner LED with the assistance of a team of final year medical students.

Our funding of this Project will, for these villagers, help to change lives.