Smiling through light is a company which works with a network of women in Sierra Leone to bring light, create employment and income opportunities. It does this through a distribution and sales system of solar products (solar lamps and mobile phone charging units). This creates access to clean energy technology by building sustainable trading networks. The distribution and sales channels are divided into two tiers; sales to local communities' members, sales to businesses and corporates.
The profits of the company are reinvested into buying more solar products, providing training and ongoing support to the women and a percentage to support the charitable arm of the company.
The charitable arm will be an eco-solar centre in Sierra Leone where 15-24 years old girls can go for HIV tests, training on life skills and information on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). They will also be able to access energy and light. Funding will be allocated through a percentage of the company profits to support all the different activities.
Through our Making it Solar initiative, we will partner with women to distribute Little Sun lamps to individuals who will greatly benefit from a safe, rechargeable light source. Join us to 'Say NO to kerosene lamps; work with me to improve the lives of women and girls in Sierra Leone though innovative solar products.'
mariama@smilingthroughlight.org