Light for Learning: Powering remote communities

Light for Learning’s goal is to provide students with a reliable source of clean, sustainable light to enable study after dark, improving education outcomes. In reality, it does so much more for students and their communities in rural and remote locations.

KTF’s solar installation teams visit off-grid communities, working alongside KTF-trained local solar champions to install solar power and lighting systems to every household, school, aid post and community building, plus street lighting. The vast majority have links to KTF’s education projects, particularly FODE, where it is vital for students to charge their learning tablets during self-directed study periods at home. A big challenge without solar power.

Households receive a home solar unit with three lights and USB charging capability for phones, radios and other small devices. Light for Learning provides students, their families and communities with a reliable source of clean lighting and power, enabling study and other activities after dark, including income-earning pursuits. Solar reduces reliance on unhealthy kerosene and other carbon producing light sources, and light makes villages safer places after dark, particularly for women and girls. Light and power significantly increases time spent reading and doing homework. More than 80% of parents agree.

Solar mini-grids: the next phase 

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Sometimes, stand-alone solar units aren’t enough. At KTF’s Kokoda College, where over 200 FODE students rotate through each term, the demand for power - especially to charge tablets and study at night - quickly outstripped supply.

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In 2024, we installed a solar mini-grid that now powers device charging, a new ICT lab, and lighting across classrooms, mess hall, dorms, bathrooms and the campus aid post.

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Next, we’re bringing mini-grids to the Sanananda Aid Post to strengthen health services, and to the Mt Koiri FODE Centre high on the Kokoda Track - supporting students and improving communication in this remote location.