Develop Africa’s partnership with SolarBuddy to provide solar study lights to children across Sierra Leone was recently featured in a report by the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC).

The October 2026 broadcast highlighted the distribution of 3,800 portable solar lights to primary school children in schools and communities across Sierra Leone.

The initiative addresses a practical challenge facing many students: studying after dark when reliable electricity is limited or unavailable.

The solar lights charge using sunlight and can be used by students at night for reading, studying, and completing assignments.

Supporting Learning After Sunset

Speaking to SLBC, Develop Africa Acting Programs Manager Joseph Kambay explained why the lights can make a meaningful difference for students.

“We are facing shortage of electricity, so these lights will help them greatly with their studies at night.”

Students featured in the report also spoke about how they planned to use their new lights.

One student shared:

“With this solar light, I will be able to study at night and be clever in school. I will be using this solar light to study how to pass my exam.”

Teachers welcomed the distribution as well, emphasizing the additional opportunity the lights provide for children to continue learning when electricity is unavailable at home.

3,800 Lights, More Opportunities to Learn

The SLBC report captures the larger purpose behind the partnership between Develop Africa and SolarBuddy.

A solar light is a simple resource, but for a child whose study time is limited by darkness or unreliable electricity, reliable lighting can provide more time to read, complete assignments, and prepare for school.

Through this partnership, 3,800 children have received portable solar lights across schools and communities in Sierra Leone.

We are grateful to SolarBuddy for partnering with Develop Africa to expand access to reliable lighting for students.

Every light creates another opportunity to learn.

Watch the SLBC report above to see students, teachers, and Develop Africa representatives share what these solar lights mean for learning after dark. 

Buy a light for a child on our Amour wish list.