A journey from darkness into light

(Getty)

The United Nations estimates that over 1.5 billion people worldwide depend on light other than that generated by electricity. Dependence on kerosene lamps for reading at night adversely affects the educational development and the health of children struggling to do homework by such light sources.

The burning of kerosene lamps leads to 1.5 million deaths every year. Inhaling kerosene is the equivalent of smoking four packs of cigarettes a day, and commonly induces respiratory illnesses in millions of people.

Moreover, impoverished families spend half of their income on kerosene which not only provides inadequate illumination but also emits harmful black carbon into the Earth’s atmosphere. Kerosene lamps contribute to a vicious cycle of poverty that needs to be broken.

Students at Oxford Brookes University aim to draw attention to the plight, in particular of children suffering from inadequate light.

On 12 March, students from the Oxford School of Hospitality will be hosting an event at Brookes Restaurant, Oxford from 7pm in aid of this worthwhile cause with speakers from The UN and SolarAid, who together aim to combat poverty and climate change.

You will also have an opportunity to purchase of a solar light source on behalf of a third world student.

Tickets available from Oxford Brookes University.