More than a third of the world’s people live without access to electricity. Fifty Lanterns International (St. Paul, Minnesota) is a nonprofit that provides solar lanterns to needy people around the world.

Solar energy can help families have light to read at night, or work at their home craft or small business, or help medical clinics or other businesses operate at night. The money saved on kerosene lighting, wood for fires or to purchase candles can be used for medicine, clothing, food or school fees.

Use of solar lanterns also reduces deforestation caused by burning wood or charcoal, reduces pollution and eliminated the health risks risks of kerosene lighting.

The first project in 2005 distributed 50 lanterns to widows in Afghanistan in cooperation with CARE.

The second shipment in 2005 went to earthquake survivors in Pakistan.

Shipments in 2006 and 2007 went to earthquake survivors in Pakistan and Kashmir, widows and orphan coffee farmers in Rwanda, and Habitat for Humanity recipients in Northern Afghanistan.

Information on donation and volunteer opportunities and online purchases of Rwanda coffee and is available on their website.