A philanthropic initiative dubbed ‘Light up a village’ spearheaded by Iracema and ComAfrique-InteliZon continues in the West Coast Region, notably in the Foni where 73 Zonlights were recently supplied to the villagers of Buram in the Foni Bintang District.

Powered by a Brazilian company, Iracema Industries that supplied the lights, the initiative has so far been implemented in 19 villages and aims to increase the quality of life of the people living in the rural communities across Africa. The initiative also seeks to discourage the use of candles and kerosene lanterns that put many households at risk of fire outbreaks. Apart from reducing the risk of fire outbreak,the initiative also promotes the culture of saving by significantly cutting down the expenses of the rural dwellers who spend lot of money to buy candles and kerosene for their lighting needs.

As part of efforts to create long-term sustainability of the initiative, the beneficiary villagers agreed to pay one Dalasi per day and per light for the usage of the lights. The payment is meant to contribute to a ZonLight Fund which is set up to take care of the replacement of batteries and lights after expiration.

Speaking during the recent handing over ceremony in the aforementioned village, the alkalo of that community Masaneh Jammeh hailed the initiative, which he said will go a long way in the educational development of their children who will benefit from the lights at night during their studies.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the ComAfrique-InteliZon Initiative’s Implementation Coordinator, Famara Dampha explained the importance of administrating the collection of the contribution in a very careful manner.