Launch Of

LIGHTING LIVES At Pulau Smakau, Riau, Indonesia

Wed, 27 March 2013

WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT

“Lighting Lives” is part of Majlis Pusat’s community projects, where we reach out to disadvantaged communities in Indonesia, Cambodia and Philippines and other remote parts of Asia to light-up their homes and villages which are off-grid or not connected to electrical supply.

In this project, we deliver solar lighting that is clean, renewable and sustainable. There are three (3) unique features of “Lighting Lives”, namely:

1) Creating Local OwnershipMajlis Pusat works with local partners to secure ownership and participation of the villagers in this project. Local partners also make arrangements to monitor the project, and submit regular progress report on the project.

2) Creating Employment For The Local BeneficiariesThe solar kits are assembled at the local area, providing opportunities for employment of the local beneficiaries. Beneficiaries are also trained to provide delivery, installation and post-installation and maintenance services.

3) Affordable Solar Kit For AllMajlis Pusat and the local partner ensure that the solar kit goes direct to the beneficiaries. We work with local partners to arrange for easy payment schemes, or such other means to ensure that the solar kits are readily available. Where necessary, solar kits are distributed free to the beneficiaries.

LIGHTING LIVES Approximately 1.3 billion people do not have access to electricity. Help us light-up their lives.

WHY “LIGHTING LIVES”?Here in Singapore, light has become so ubiquitous, that we take it for granted. However in other parts of the world, some even right at our doorstep, as is in the case of Indonesia, access to light has proven to be elusive.

In off-grid places, the pace and quality of life is determined by the absence of light. Life slows down or comes to a standstill after sunset. Inadequate lighting hinders progress, education and development opportunities.

The total number of individuals without electric power is put at about 1.5 billion, or a quarter of the world's population, concentrated mostly in Africa, southern Asia and parts of Indonesia and Indochina. In Indonesia, our neighbour next door, more than 86 million Indonesians – around one third of the total population – still lack the basic access to electricity.

Lack of light and poverty goes hand-in-hand, but with many helping hands, we can provide clean and renewable lighting to people, and make a difference to their lives.

In some instances, poor lighting substitutes such as kerosene-lamps, directly impacts health, environment and safety of the people.

The United Nation Development Programme’s statistics present a dark picture. An estimated 79% of the people in the Third World - the 50 poorest nations - have no access to electricity, despite decades of international development work.

OBJECTIVES OF “LIGHTING LIVES” “Lighting Lives” has the following objectives:

1) Provide homes in off-grid places in the region with sustainable solar light energy, and in the process, become a catalyst to change, growth and development in these areas

2) Promote and strengthen goodwill at people-to-people levels in our effort to contribute to building a connected Asia to further common causes and goals

OBJECTIVES OF “LIGHTING LIVES” “Lighting Lives” has the following objectives:

1) Provide homes in off-grid places in the region with sustainable solar light energy, and in the process, become a catalyst to change, growth and development in these areas

2) Promote and strengthen goodwill at people-to-people levels in our effort to contribute to building a connected Asia to further common causes and goals

WHO ARE THE BENEFICIARIES?The beneficiaries of “Lighting Lives” are the disadvantaged, poor and needy households in Indonesia, Cambodia and Philippines who have no access to light or electricity. The project will lightt-up 6000 homes in these areas, benefitting some 36,000 beneficiaires.

WHY SOLAR ENERGY?Solar energy is inexhaustible and pollution-free renewable energy.

With the rapid development of technology, solar energy has become cost-effective, highly accessible and the most environmentally friendly energy sources.

ABOUT MAJLIS PUSATMajlis Pusat is a not-for-profit social voluntary organisation based in Singapore.

We are committed to building cultural and socio-economic bridges as catalysts for change and growth towards community bonding and civilisation building. Our core activities are Social Enterprise, Early Education, Arts & Culture and Community Reach-Outs.

We are registered with the Registrar of Societies, and work closely with Government Ministries, which include Ministry of Social & Family Development; Ministry of Information, Communication & the Arts; and Singapore Tourism Board.

We are also a member of the People’s Association and National Council of Social Services.

Our other partners include Community Development Councils, National Library Board, National Youth Council, National Arts Council and Malay Heritage Foundation.

CONTACT USMajlis Pusat

93 Toa Payoh Central #06-01Toa Payoh Central Community Building

Singapore 319194Tel: 62514458

Fax : 6251 4481www.majlispusat.org

Launch Of

LIGHTING LIVES At Pulau Smakau, Riau, Indonesia Wed, 27 March 2013

A Visual Journey…

Launch Of

LIGHTING LIVES At Pulau Smakau, Riau, Indonesia

Wed, 27 March 2013