Meet Marie Eliane Rafaraniaina who rents two Light Library power sticks, each no bigger than a candle, to charge her phone and her lamp so her children can do their homework in the evening.

Jean Michel Rakotonirina runs the Light Library in the commune of Ambohijanka, he explains “My work is important because before people used petrol for lights, which has bad effects on their health – especially for the children. The solar project light is also affordable. Families can save money compared to buying candles and they get a bright light, which is especially important for school children so they can do their homework. The teachers say the number of children who pass their exams has increased.”

Teachers report in Madagascar that children with access to Light Libraries are more motivated and engaged in class because they can finish their homework, listen to news and programmes on the radio, and no longer breathe in toxic kerosene lamp fumes. The Light Library lamps are also used in school classrooms when rain turns the summer sky black or on darker winter days.

Alicia Nirina Raharimalala wants to be a doctor when she grows up. For now, she loves her Light Library light stick because it helps her learn to read, lights her while she helps to wash up the dishes and comforts her when she sleeps. ‘Before we had to blow the candles out before going to sleep.”