School Children Donate Solar Lanterns to Zambian Kids

A classroom project at Evergreen Community Charter School in Asheville, North Carolina, has blossomed into a meaningful international outreach effort. A group of sixth-grade students, demonstrating remarkable initiative, have successfully raised hundreds of dollars to provide children in Zambia with clean, renewable light through the donation of solar-powered lanterns.

The endeavor was sparked by a lesson about Solight, a company that designs portable solar lamps for communities without reliable access to electricity. Inspired by the mission of Solight founder Alice Min Soo Chun, the students decided to take direct action. Harnessing their creativity, they launched an entrepreneurial venture, crafting and selling their own decorative solar lanterns made from mason jars and solar-powered lights to their local community.

The funds generated from their sales are being used to purchase and send collapsible “solar puffs”—innovative and efficient solar lighting devices developed by Solight. This project provides a sustainable lighting source for Zambian children, enhancing their safety and study opportunities after dark.

For the students, the project was more than just a fundraiser; it was a powerful lesson in global citizenship and the tangible impact of their actions. “I’m really grateful that I have the opportunity to do this project, and it makes me feel really touched that I can do something and it will affect something so positively in the future,” shared one of the participating students.

The students’ efforts earned praise from Alice Min Soo Chun herself, who has a history of donating thousands of lanterns to communities in need, including those in war-torn Ukraine. Meeting with the class, she offered words of profound encouragement. “I hope you realize how powerful you are,” Chun told them. “Just like 6th graders, how amazing and powerful you really are. That you can change the world. You already are.”

Through their dedication, the sixth-graders from Evergreen Community Charter School have shown that age is no barrier to making a significant difference, illuminating lives across continents with both light and hope.

Sources of How School Children Donate Solar Lanterns to Zambian Kids

1. Sixth-grade entrepreneurs donate solar-powered lanterns to … – ABC7
2. [PDF] 2024 | A Year in Pictures | Little Sun
3. [PDF] NEWSLETTER – GlobalGiving
4. Sixth-grade entrepreneurs donate solar-powered lanterns to …