The electrical department of Bosco Tech Nongstoin installed photovoltaic lighting and helped families learn how to take care of the lights in their homes. The new solar lamps guarantee children the opportunity to continue their studies, so as to reduce the rate of school dropouts. With solar lamps, families are saving the money they otherwise spent on kerosene lamps and can spend the money on other household needs.
Solar lamps are also a source of clean energy and are decreasing the pollutants resulting from the smoke from kerosene lamps. Through this project, families were taught the importance of solar energy for the environment.
"Projects like this ensure that young people have the right environment at home to do their homework and study for exams. They are able to come to school prepared and participate fully in their lessons," said Fr Gus Baek, Head of Salesian Mission Office of New Rochelle. "It is also a good opportunity to teach rural families about the importance of clean energy for the environment, which provides them a cost savings over time."
Although India is the world's fourth-largest economy, over 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world's multidimensional poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative. A multidimensionally poor child is one who is missing at least a third of the 10 indicators relating to health, education and standard of living.
The Salesian missionaries who live and work in India give special importance to the recovery and rehabilitation of children, especially those engaged in child labor. There are programs run by Salesians across the country that have helped hundreds of thousands of vulnerable young people over the years, and this work continues today.
Source: Salesian Missions
