Sixth-grade students from Evergreen Community Charter School in North Carolina raised funds to send solar lanterns to children in Zambia, proving that even young people can make a significant difference. Inspired by the solar lighting company Solight, they were moved to help bring sustainable light to those without electricity.
Solar Lantern Project: Making a Difference
Proving that age is no barrier to making a difference, a group of sixth-graders from Evergreen Community Charter School in North Carolina embarked on a project to bring light to children living without electricity in Zambia. Their compassionate initiative has not only illuminated homes but also set an example of how small actions can lead to significant change.
The students were inspired by Solight, a company specializing in portable solar lanterns for people who lack access to electricity. The idea was sparked during a lesson from their teacher, who introduced the students to Solight and its founder, Alice Min Soo Chun, and their mission to bring sustainable light to underserved communities worldwide.
Understanding that in regions without power, light can mean the difference between safety and danger, the students felt compelled to act. They decided to create their own version of solar lanterns to raise funds. Using decorated mason jars and solar lights, the sixth-graders crafted homemade lanterns that were both beautiful and functional, embodying their dedication. They then organized a sale within their school and local community to raise money.
Community Support Pushes Initiative
The community response was overwhelmingly positive. Through their sales, the students raised hundreds of dollars, with every dollar bringing them closer to their goal of helping children in Zambia. The funds were used to purchase collapsible solar puffs, which will soon be sent to Zambia.
The students were proud not just of the money they raised but also of the impact they knew it would have. “It’s nice to be able to help, even in some small way,” one student said, reflecting on the experience. Another shared a similar sentiment: “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.”
Their project was more than a charity effort; it was a learning experience that taught them the power of community and the impact of giving. The initiative showed the young students that they are capable of influencing change, even from thousands of miles away. They also gained insight into the struggles of children their age in other parts of the world, learning how something as simple as light can make a profound difference.
Inspiring the Younger Generation
Alice Min Soo Chun, the creator and inventor of the solar lanterns, has a history of donating thousands of lanterns to those in need. Last year, she traveled to Ukraine to donate solar lanterns to children affected by the ongoing conflict. Her work continues to inspire many, and meeting these sixth-grade students was no exception.
When she met the students, Chun offered them words of encouragement that will likely stay with them for a long time. “I hope you realize how powerful you are. Just like 6th graders, how amazing and powerful you really are. That you can change the world. You already are,” Chun told them.
The students from Evergreen Community Charter School have demonstrated how small actions can create significant change. By sending solar puffs to children in Zambia, they are providing not just light but also hope and opportunity. This project has revealed their potential as changemakers, proving that kindness, creativity, and determination can transform lives.
