Giving Compass' Take:

• An innovative Australian charity called SolarBuddy is working to create a sustainable future through solar powered lighting in South Africa. 

• How can donors help fund entrepreneurial organizations like this and work towards the Sustainable Development Goals? Which clean energy solutions show the most promise?

• Here's more on the importance of solar power in developing countries.

Across South Africa, there are many communities that have, at best, intermittent access to electricity — for cooking, heating water, and for providing light.

When the electricity goes out, it leaves residents in these communities dependent on kerosene, candles, paraffin, and gas — for those who can afford it — all of which can pose significant health and safety hazards, as many of these informal settlements can be highly flammable.

Energy poverty is inhibiting children from reaching their full potential.

That’s why the Australian-based charity SolarBuddy is dedicated to providing these communities with access to safe and reliable  sources of lighting. The lights are assembled by participants in SolarBuddy’s innovative education and empowerment programs and gifted to children in need.

These LED solar light emit zero emissions and provide 16 hours of light. They are an innovative source of energy that do not harm the environment.

Read the full article about solar powered lighting in South Africa by Thato Mahlangu at Global Citizen.