Rural Solar Lighting Project in Senlay Town, Nimba County, Liberia

In May 2022, the Royal Village International Foundation implemented a transformative rural electrification initiative aimed at restoring hope, improving learning conditions, and enhancing community safety in remote parts of Liberia. This project focused on Senlay Town, located in Nimba County, within the Tawh River region.

Life Before the Project

Prior to this intervention, families in Senlay Town lived without access to modern lighting. School-going children relied on traditional lamps locally known as "Jako Lathen" or improvised sources of light made from red palm oil and braided cloth lit with matches. These unsafe and inefficient methods made evening studies difficult and exposed families to health and fire risks.

For many children, the lack of proper lighting meant limited study time after sunset, affecting academic performance and motivation. The entire community also remained in darkness at night, increasing vulnerability and insecurity.

The Intervention

In response to these challenges, the Royal Village International Foundation undertook a massive solar lighting project designed to bring sustainable and modern lighting to the community.

  • Over 50 solar-powered lights were installed across Senlay Town and surrounding communities.
  • The lights were strategically placed to illuminate study areas, walkways, and key community spaces.
  • The system was designed to provide reliable, environmentally friendly lighting with minimal maintenance.

Impact on Children and the Community

The project delivered immediate and long-lasting benefits:

  • Improved learning environment: Children now have safe and adequate lighting to study, complete assignments, and read during the evening hours.
  • Community-wide relief: Families gained access to nighttime lighting, improving daily life and social interaction.
  • Enhanced security: The presence of light at night has significantly improved safety, serving as a deterrent to crime and allowing residents to move freely after dark.

What began as an effort to support children's education quickly became a catalyst for broader community transformation.

Lighting the Path Forward

This rural solar lighting project reflects the Royal Village International Foundation's commitment to breaking the cycle of deprivation in underserved communities. By addressing basic yet critical needs such as lighting, the Foundation continues to empower children, strengthen communities, and move people from darkness toward opportunity.

Through sustainable projects like this, the Royal Village International Foundation remains dedicated to creating lasting impact where children can learn with dignity, families can live safely, and communities can benefit.