Peru has been one of the hardest hit countries by the COVID-19 pandemic. The high death tolls and economic impacts will stunt the ongoing development of so many underserved communities. Many development projects in the Amazonian region have been cancelled or suspended and for those communities already underserved in the country, this will have a huge impact on their future access to electricity.
Universal access to sustainable energy was recognized by the United Nations as a global priority, to ensure the sustainability of our planet and was identified as one of the key tools to fighting poverty and decreasing the effects of the pandemic. For the people in the amazon, a lack of energy means decreased opportunities for education, productivity, communication and economic development. For this reason, Light Up The World is determined to keep working with communities in Peru to continue providing life-changing access to energy.
In collaboration with the local authorities, We have identified 42 Schools in high need of energy access in the Amazonas region, near the border with Ecuador. This is one of the most remote regions in Peru.
Since the start of the pandemic, the Peruvian government has installed digital learning programs through tv, radio and internet platforms and has distributed over a million tablets loaded with educational content across the country. Unfortunately, hundreds of children that live off-grid are missing out on the benefit of these technologies that can power their education and improve their livelihoods. With access to sustainable energy, these children can mitigate some of the effects that the global pandemic has had on their lives and it can provide them with tools to power future opportunities for their communities.
Through our partnership with DirecTV, we were able to secure funding for the electrification of 6 schools in the Peruvian Amazon which was carried out in July and August of 2021. Through the first phase, we were able to provide energy to over 300 children and teachers, who can now use tablets, lights, computers, projectors and cooling fans to power their education.
We are now looking to raise funds for our second phase: to electrify two more schools in high need of energy access in the Amazon.
We need your help to improve these schools and the future of many children in the Peruvian Amazon. Together we can electrify all the schools left in the dark. You can make a difference with a monthly or one-time donation, and become a valuable supporter of the sustainable development of communities in the Amazon.
