By Timor-Leste Immersion Teacher – Patricia Alborough
“Solar Buddies are solar-powered flashlights that get charged by the sun during the day. They are designed for families and people that live in remote areas where electricity is not always certain. An example of the Solar Buddies coming in handy was on our Timor-Leste Immersion on the second night of our home stay in Realico Craic Village. The power went out and after explaining to the families how to use the Solar Buddies they were able to cook dinner and do other chores under a bright light.” – Eddie Williamson (O’Connor student).
During Term 2, O’Connor house students raised money and built 40 Solar Buddies to help fight energy poverty in developing countries. These lights then travelled to Timor Leste with the Immersion group during the winter school holiday break. As a thank you to the homestay families, students gifted the Solar Buddies to help bring light to their everyday lives.
“This was an amazing project where Waverley College students were able to see the benefits of helping others in countries less fortunate than their own. It was fantastic for the students to witness and be involved in a school Social Justice project reaching the hands of families in need.” Ms Alborough (Timor-Leste Immersion Teacher).
