The Rotary Club of Goodyear Pebblecreek has partnered with the non-profit organization WATTS OF LOVE to bring solar light to some of the most vulnerable and impoverished parts of Kenya by writing a Global Grant through Rotary International. WHY LIGHT? Light is a basic need. When the sun goes down, every household needs light to continue daily activities. Light impacts everything… their environment by reducing the number of toxins being released from the kerosene allowing for better air quality, it empowers women in communities where they have been marginalized and overlooked by giving them a gift to care for their families, it provides income from not having to purchase kerosene, allowing them to save and use that money to purchase a chicken, a goat or cow to feed their family or to barter for other necessities. Having solar light impacts their safety. They don’t have to worry about open flames, burns, injuries and fire. In addition, having access to solar light extends the work day, enabling businesses to stay open after dark and lengthening the number of hours the children can read and do their schoolwork. This project empowers people to raise themselves out of poverty and onto a path of prosperity. A financial literacy curriculum is used to train people on how to save, invest and build for the future. Partnering with Rotary clubs in Kenya, local leaders are being developed to train equip and empower entire regions to ensure lasting change around the world. President Colleen Malany is leading the way on this Global Grant for our club. After making several trips to Kenya and another trip next spring to distribute more solar lights and to help train more local leaders in the financial literacy curriculum, Colleen is in awe of what a difference one solar light can make for a woman and her family. "It’s truly amazing how giving a small solar light, coupled with the pivotal element of financial literacy, unmitigatedly enables a family to dream bigger and actually achieve bigger. I’ve seen it first-hand. The children are able to go to school and study at home, the family is healthier because they aren’t burning kerosene or using and disposing a significant number of batteries in a year, they have 'new money' from investing their savings in livestock or creating beadwork to sell, they are becoming entrepreneurs who have bigger dreams than ever were possible. “Akaidemi”! (it is possible). The Scripps quote resounds with truth…” give light and they will find their own way”.” If your club is interested in joining us in supporting this life changing sustainable “Watts of Love” Global Grant, contact Colleen Malany-colleen.gypcrotary@gmail.com | 
