The objective of this project was to train young people living in the Kibera slum (Kenya) to assemble portable solar lamps and then test them for daily use, with the aim of starting a small production centre if the pilot phase is a success. The solar lamps will then be produced by these trained young solar technicians and initially sold on the local market. Part of the production run will be exported to Switzerland and sold as a fair-trade product. Prefabricated lamps will be used as solar-energy learning sets in schools and workshops in Switzerland. The youths were also trained to install solar home systems. 

The Kibera solar lamp as it is now known emits a bright light, is smokeless and has little or no running costs (batteries), since it is charged by solar energy. The Kibera lamp is portable, uses solar-powered light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and can be used as a flashlight or hung up as a house lamp. The lamp provides an ideal solution for customers who have suffered using kerosene lamps and low-cost, battery-powered flashlights. When charged for six hours by its integrated solar panel it gives a very bright light for up to six hours and a less bright light for another three. The wooden casing is strong and does not need recycling. The casing has been varnished to protect the wood and keep off water. 

Links: http://www.solafrica.ch/

Elizabeth Otieno (KE) is a 22-year-old girl from Kibera. After high school, she joined the Kibera Community Youth Program as a volunteer in several projects. In 2009, Greenpeace came together with the Kibera Community Youth Program to train some young people from Kibera in the solar technology. Since early 2010 she has been leading the solar group, and she went to Switzerland for a solar camp, where they installed solar systems both for lighting and for hot water in a youth hostel in St. Moritz.