Families now are no longer dependent on unsafe and illegal power connections

(MissionNewswire) Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra, located in Maharashtra, India, implemented the “Solar Home Lighting” initiative to address energy deprivation among migrant households. To facilitate the initiative, Salesians received donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

Through the project, 55 migrant families were provided with solar home lighting systems. These families now have safe, reliable and affordable access to electricity and are no longer dependent on unsafe and illegal power connections.

Before the use of solar lights, the migrant community living along Arangaon Road resided in temporary, modest shelters in a semi-rural environment with limited infrastructure. They faced a lack of reliable lighting, which made it difficult to continue work or household activities after dark and affected children’s ability to study.

A Salesian noted, “Since the implementation of the solar lighting, there has been a significant reduction in energy costs, enabling increased household savings. Families are experiencing improved night-time quality of life, with better lighting for children to study and women had greater convenience for household chores and small income-generating activities. They also now have enhanced safety and security of households by reducing the use of kerosene lamps and unsafe power tapping.”

Raju Dhumal has been living with his four children along Arangaon Road for the past two years. Like many in the community, he prepares and sells roasted chickpeas and puffed rice in nearby villages to sustain his family. Before the installation of solar lights, life for Dhumal’s family was filled with challenges. Work had to stop after sunset, which subsequently reduced their income. The darkness brought constant fear of snakes and scorpions, and Dhumal’s children were unable to study at night. Insecurity and limited opportunities cast a shadow over their daily lives.

When the solar project was introduced, Dhumal welcomed it with hope and happiness, confident that the lights would bring safety and comfort. After installation, the transformation was immediate — his family could work safely into the evening, the children gained valuable study time and their environment felt far more secure.

Looking to the future, Dhumal dreams of expanding his small business and ensuring his children receive a good education, laying the foundation for a brighter tomorrow with the support of solar lighting.

He said, “With solar lights, we feel secure, our children can study, and we can grow our business.”

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India