Springfield Anglican College: SolarBuddy

22 August 2019

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Springfield Anglican College sustainable information evening, where year 6 students from the college have been learning about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. There are 17 goals, which focus on promoting prosperity while protecting the planet. In the lead-up to the event year 6 students carried out a funding mission by partnering with a company called SolarBuddy to bring light into the lives of children living in energy poverty. SolarBuddy is a registered Australian charity dedicated to educating and empowering the next generation to change the lives of children living in energy poverty. Their mission is to help improve the educational opportunities of six million children living in energy poverty throughout the South Pacific, South-East Asia and Africa by 2030 by providing them with a SolarBuddy solar light to study after dusk. The students will assemble solar light kits obtained from SolarBuddy. Once completed SolarBuddy distribute these solar lights to children living in energy poverty. The recipients of these lights are children who would otherwise work with a kerosene light to complete chores or to do their homework. This exposure to kerosene is a significant health hazard which will be reduced through initiatives like this. My congratulations to Springfield Anglican College, the teachers, the parents and SolarBuddy for their partnership, and I wish them all the best for continued success in the future.