Cut Out the Darkness has delivered 111 sets of solar lanterns and shades to Sumba Island in Indonesia. Panasonic launched the project last year to raise awareness of the daily challenges faced in these areas and bring light to these parts of the world.
"People have been using kerosene lamps out of necessity, but the smoke is undermining our health. Also, the price of kerosene as a fuel has risen to become more expensive than gasoline in recent years," commented Petrus Lamba Awang, a staff member of IBEKA and also a native of a village that received the donations.
"Solar lanterns are a precious alternative. They will reduce the economic burden of fuel costs, and we can use the spare money for education and other things."