Solar kits have lit up 800 homes on Deboyne Islands in Milne Bay.
Backed by community action, almost the household solar kits have been installed.
Now, hundreds of families are enjoying clean and reliable solar energy at home. The power and newly installed lighting are helping households save money, improve community health and safety, support learning, and create more time for social and income-generating activities.
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These improvements are part of the Climate-Resilient Infrastructure for Milne Bay project funded by the Australian Government and implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Papua New Guinea.
Under the initiative, almost 800 solar home kits have been installed in households and additional kits in eight public institutions across Panaeati and Panapompom Islands. The lights are transforming life after sunset, allowing families to study, craft, weave and make canoes in the evenings.
The solar kits are supporting local livelihoods, including women working from home, and helping children and adults to study or work safely at night. Communities are now gathering for evening activities, strengthening social bonds, and enjoying better communications.
With the support of the community, the solar installations are designed to last. UNOPS and the solar kit supplier have trained ten community volunteers known within the community as the ‘Solar Champions’ to handle basic maintenance and repairs.
In addition to solar lighting, Australia and UNOPS are working together to support Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) improvements in public institutions across the Deboyne Islands.
Rhoda Damaia, Head Teacher, Panapompom Elementary School, said: “Before the solar lights, our children had to sit close to a fire just to read. Now they can do homework at home, and I can see the difference in classroom performance. I can also work at night, and our phones are charged for easy communication.”
Jacob Jeremiah, Head Teacher, Patewan Elementary School, said: “Before this, I had to use a torch to plan lessons. Now, the light helps me prepare better for the next day. Thank you to everyone who supported us.”
Frank, Community Member, Panaeati East said: “This kit has changed life for my family and the whole community. We eat dinner with good lighting, children can do homework, and new mothers can change nappies safely at night.
Women can also weave mats and baskets for sale after dark. The neighboring Misima community say our island brightens up like a town at night.”
Gilbert Stanley, Solar Champion, said: “They taught us how to maintain the lights and batteries. Now I can help other families if something goes wrong with their kits.”