A UAE-based non-profit is bringing light to people in need. Founded by Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Beacon of Hope UAE provides children in impoverished countries with solar light boxes.
“This light kit is disassembled,” said Sarah Bawazir, a Beacon of Hope board member. “So the kids in war torn or impoverished areas get together in a workshop and actually make their own solar rechargeable LED lights.”
Beacon of Hope aims to not only provide children with important light sources but to also teach them about solar energy and electronics.
The organisation has already helped more than 7,000 children in nine countries. It has sent missions, to Yemen, Jordan, Iraq, Liberia, Morocco, Tanzania, Somalia, Djibouti and Puerto Rico.
Where there is life, there is hope, said Ms Bawazir. “And we want to get that message across and empower children in disadvantaged areas, build their confidence in making them want to build their communities sustainably in the future.”
Beacon of Hope UAE is committed to making an impact on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN’s SDGs are a set of environmental and education-based targets that may help ensure a better future for the world.
The organisation provides educational material developed by youth in the UAE targeting the SDGs.
Ms Bawazir recently travelled to the United Nations General Assembly in New York where she spoke at the Solutions Summit.
The UAE initiative was also represented at the UN Social Good Summit and was chosen to be amongst 1,000 solutions presented to the UN Foundation.
hopes the international exposure will help it find new partners so it can expand and create new projects that can improve the lives of children in need.
