21 November 2017
VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards supported Scotland Lights up Malawi and WaterAid Scotland at their Award Ceremony on 15th November 2017 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa. More than £1000 was collected and this will be doubled through Big Give.
Scotland Light up Malawi:
Scotland Lights up Malawi is a campaign initially developed by Scotland’s 2020 Climate Group in June 2014 with the aim of raising funds to support Scotland’s ambitions for climate justice by:
- investing in solar lights in Malawi.
- undertaking research into climate justice
- educating children both in Scotland and in Malawi.
The Problem:
- Approx 15million people without access to electricity in Malawi alone.
- Many rely on poor quality & unsustainable light e.g. – candles & kerosene lamps.
- Kerosene lamps give off toxic fumes and are very dangerous.
- Av. Min Cost p/w - Candle: 70p Kerosene: £1.50
- Households living on £1.89 p/w
The Solution:
- International charity SolarAid – aim to combat Poverty & Climate Change
- SunnyMoney (SA’s social enterprise) & special projects offer access to those in need to provide affordable, sustainable and clean light.
- Domestic lighting – impacting living conditions; home cultural; releasing financial burden; improving health and is the 1st step onto the energy ladder.
WaterAid:
WaterAid is the world’s leading charity in water, hygiene & sanitation. In the past year, it has brought clean water to 956,000 vulnerable people, toilets to 1.1m and hygiene to 1.6m. Its #Untapped campaign matches your donations pound for pound.
In all of its projects, WaterAid
- Uses low-cost technologies, appropriate to local conditions
- Involves communities in planning and constructing their new water supply
- Provides solutions that are long-term by training villagers in repairs and maintenance
- Works in partnership with local organisations who are best placed to understand villagers' needs
- Integrates safe water with sanitation and hygiene education to achieve lasting health improvements