Glowstar solar lanterns light up adult literacy classes in Ghana

[jpak]

http://pr-gb.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5532&Itemid=9

Ghana’s Ministry of Education has taken delivery of 15,000 Glowstar lanterns from Sollatek, specialists in solar power and voltage protection products. The Glowstars will provide a vital light source for evening adult literacy classes in rural areas of Ghana without access to a reliable electricity supply.

Ghana has a population of around 22 million, three-quarters of whom live on less than US$2 a day, while over a quarter of adults cannot read and write. Functional literacy has been recognised by the Ghanaian Ministry of Education as vitally important in alleviating poverty and promoting the country’s socioeconomic growth.

Designed as a low-cost, reliable and ecologically friendly product, Glowstar is a portable solar lantern providing up to 8 hours of bright light using a choice of three compact fluorescent lamps. Glowstar’s rugged plastic construction ensures that it is highly durable, as well as rain proof, dust proof and insect proof. The unit’s versatility is further enhanced by an auxiliary output providing 0.5A/12V which could be used to power a radio or charge a mobile phone.

According to Maan Allos, Sales and Marketing Director, ‘In countries without a reliable electricity supply many people rely on kerosene lamps or candles to provide basic lighting, posing a potential fire hazard, or else expensive batteries. Glowstar provides a safe, easy-to-use alternative with zero running costs – ideal for enabling activities, such as Ghana’s adult literacy groups, which need to take place in the evenings after dark.’

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[CottonBear]

1. How cool! I want one of those! n/t

[applegrove]

2. Great news. Perhaps technology breakthroughs will allow Africa to

jump into the world economy. Already cell phones have replaced regular telephone lines. Hope is as hope does.

[RestoreGore]

3. Fantastic and hopeful

Jist the kind of positive stories we need to read more of.