Looking Back: Light for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Some of you might remember Kathy, the dedicated pediatric nurse who impressed us last year with her tireless efforts. For over ten years, Kathy has taken a few weeks each year to fly to Eritrea, supporting medical care in collaboration with ArcheMed. She uses her annual leave to stand by the locals and realize projects close to her heart. One major initiative was the renovation of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Asmara in 2015. Her goal was to create a safe haven for sick children where they receive the critical care they need. The renovation, staff training, and provision of necessary equipment were achieved through tremendous dedication and teamwork.
Since last year, the Sonnenglas Sun Jars have illuminated the rooms of the intensive care unit. A gentle light that brightens each room, bringing joy to the children and assisting mothers with nursing. Nurses like Kathy can fill out their paperwork without resorting to harsh overhead lights - especially valuable during frequent power outages.
A New Idea Takes Flight
While working in the intensive care unit, a new idea emerged: distributing solar lanterns to surrounding villages. With support from the nuns active in these areas, some solar lanterns have already been distributed to families. The nuns, serving as a vital link between Kathy and the villagers, reported the challenges posed by the absence of light - from safety to health. However, the demand was greater than anticipated, sparking the launch of the new project "Light for the Huts."
Project 2025: “Light in Eritrean Huts”
A Joint Effort
Back in Germany and inspired by her experiences, Kathy took on the challenge of initiating this sustainable project. The establishment of the "Lions Club" created a network to support this initiative. The goal is clear: providing 120 solar lanterns to those who would benefit the most: the people in Eritrea's remotest corners. Kathy not only conducts organizational work, but she also remains committed to the intensive care unit in Asmara, continuing to foster the exchange of knowledge and experiences among professionals.
Light for a Better Future
When the sun sets, many families face a choice: end their day or resort to hazardous kerosene lamps and candles. Sonnenglas solar lanterns offer a safe, sustainable alternative. They simply require ample sunshine, incur no additional costs, and enable families to make meaningful use of their evenings, whether learning, working, or simply spending time together.
Supporting Kathy's Project
To achieve this ambitious goal, we at Sonnenglas want to contribute and support this valuable work. We are donating the first 10 solar lanterns, which will go directly to Eritrean families. However, to fund the remaining solar lanterns, the "Light for the Huts" project also needs your help. Every euro helps advance this significant project. If you wish to support Kathy, you can transfer a donation to the support association account or use this PayPal link, using the designation "Kathy Kempen-Light in the Huts of Eritrea." For further info and details, feel free to contact Kathy directly and send her a message to her Instagram profile.
Together, we can build a bridge of light for the people in Eritrea.
Thank you for being a part of this movement!