With the hope to provide a more conducive learning environment through the provision of light to homes and schools that lack conventional power and other energy sources, DepEd has launched the LightEd program.
According to Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC, “Light makes vision possible. In the realm of education, let us be the light that will help our children realize their vision for themselves, their families, and our country.” He called on everybody to take part of the campaign, send light to those who need it and help extend quality learning hours for the education of the Filipino child. He further added not to let darkness prevent the Filipino child from the education he or she deserves.”
The LightEd campaign hopes to provide solutions to the light problems in some areas in the country. “One Child, One Lamp” will be launched to generate funds to purchase solar lamps to help students studying in affected public schools. The Children’s Hour and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) are the partners of the DepEd in this endeavor.
DepEd has provided little solar LED lamps which they bought at Php 400 each. The lamps can stay lighted for as long as ten hours after being fully charged. They are brighter and safer than the kerosene lamp. It is expected that they can greatly help the students study their lessons at night. Among those that have partnered with DepEd in this campaign are the Global Peace Foundation and the Thrive Solar Energy Philippines.
Everyone is invited to support the LightEd PH campaign through donations to purchase the solar lamps needed. Some can volunteer for logical assistance for the distribution while others can train the beneficiary schools on how to use and maintain the lamps.
With the “One Child, One Lamp”, donors may provide a child with a solar lamp or they can contribute an hour of their pay to support the campaign. Companies who wish to support this endeavor can donate the same amount as their employees can donate or an equivalent revenue of a single hour of trade. They may also participate in the Adopt-A-School Program.
Moreover, DepEd will be able to furnish concerned schools the useful solar energy packages and panels that will help sustain the power in the school. For schools that are not yet energized, DepEd is trying to collaborate with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to help them encourage the local power cooperatives to provide assistance for additional power lines near the premises of the schools.
After the schools are energized, DepEd will provide advanced learning equipment such as information and communication technology sets, computers, speakers, laptops, and projectors.
By: Catherine P. Jarabe | T-III | Antonio G. Liamas Elementary school
