Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out today with a heartfelt mission: to bring light, safety, and opportunity to a wonderful family in Lusaka, Zambia, by funding a solar panel installation for their home.

Like many families in Zambia, they face daily challenges with an unreliable electrical grid. "Load-shedding" – scheduled power cuts that can last for hours – is a regular part of life. This isn't just an inconvenience; it impacts their safety, education, and livelihood.

The Problem: Life in the Dark

When the power goes out, this family is left in the dark, literally and figuratively:

Children Can't Study: Kids are forced to do their homework by the dim, unhealthy light of a kerosene lamp or candle, straining their eyes and making it difficult to keep up in school.

No Power for Communication: Phones can't be charged, cutting off a vital line to the outside world for emergencies, work, and staying connected with loved ones.

Food Spoilage: Without consistent power, keeping food fresh in a refrigerator is a constant struggle, leading to waste and lost money.

Safety Concerns: Darkness brings security risks, and the use of open flames for light is a fire hazard.

Our Simple, Powerful Solution

We have a chance to change this. We are raising funds to purchase and install a complete, sustainable solar panel system for their home. This system will include:

Solar Panels: To capture the abundant Zambian sunshine.

A Battery Storage Unit: To store power for use at night and during outages.

An Inverter & Wiring: To power their lights, phone chargers, and a small refrigerator.

Professional Installation: By a trusted local technician in Lusaka.

This isn't a temporary fix. It’s a long-term investment in their well-being and future.

The Impact of Your Donation

Your contribution will directly fund this installation and provide:

Light for Learning: Children can study safely in the evenings, giving them a better chance to succeed.

Constant Communication: A charged phone means security and connection.

Reduced Expenses: No more spending limited income on kerosene, candles, or replacing spoiled food.

A Safer Home: Reliable electric light replaces dangerous, smoky flames.

Dignity and Independence: The gift of self-sufficiency and the peace of mind that comes with it.

How We Will Use the Funds

We have received a quote from a local supplier and installer. Every dollar raised will go directly towards:

£850 - Solar Panel Kit (Panels, Battery, Inverter, Charge Controller)

£200 - Professional Installation & Safe Wiring

£100 - Miscellaneous (mounting hardware, cables, light fixtures)

$ - GoFundMe Processing Fees (approx. 2.9% + $0.30 per donation)

Our Total Goal: £1,200

Join Us in Making a Direct Difference

This campaign is about more than just electricity. It's about empowering a family with the basic tools they need to thrive. We are not a large charity; this is a direct, person-to-person project where you can see exactly where your money goes.

Please consider donating any amount you can. No gift is too small. If you can't donate right now, you can still make a huge impact by sharing this page with your friends, family, and on social media.

Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, and for helping us bring sustainable light to a home in Lusaka.

With immense gratitude,

Mark Hearne

ps Pictures before and after will be posted here.