Lights for Literacy

In areas with little or no electricity such as Sub-Saharan Africa and India, the majority of people live “off grid”. In these areas the day ends when the sun sets and children have little opportunity to read or do homework. The Global Energy Network Institute’s extensive research shows that increase in energy consumption has a direct correlation in literacy rates. However, governments in developing countries do not have the means to build extensive power lines or networks that is much needed. In addition, these projects would take decades and huge amount of resources which they lack. Children living off grid need immediate and sustainable solutions now. Solar powered book lights would dramatically change a child’s life by providing the ability to read and work at night, promoting literacy which is the key to ending poverty. As seen in the charts below, literacy rates correlate with energy usage.  The areas that have higher energy consumption rates also have higher literacy rates. The Bourke Family Foundation is committed to increasing literacy by providing solar powered book lights to children where the basic need of light is scarce.  By providing book lights, we give children the opportunity to read and educate themselves out of the poverty cycle.

 In 2012, The Bourke Family Foundation partnered with Wells of Life to fund the drilling of a water well in rural eastern Uganda, Africa. We believe that access to clean drinking water will provide children the opportunity to attend school, give women the ability to work, allow men to earn more money, and allow livestock to grow and multiply, producing more food and income to the families. Access to clean drinking water will provide children the opportunity to attend school; instead of, bearing the burden of up to 40 pounds a day of harmful water on their fragile backs.  Access to clean drinking water will give women the ability to work or start their own businesses.  Access to clean drinking water will allow men to earn more money by preventing sickness.  Access to clean drinking water will allow livestock to grow and multiply, producing more food and income to the family.  Access to clean drinking water changes everything. The Bourke Family Foundation is committed to providing sustainable water in any situation.  We are currently looking to building more wells in villages and providing training on water desalination units in times of disaster.  We will continue to work with local NGOs to cater to and work with the needs of each location.