Buksh Foundation (BF) has recently signed a Memorandum of Association (MOU) with Netherland Embassy to provide alternate-energy solutions to marginalized communities, living in the off grid areas of 7 villages of Bahawalpur. The aim is to increase the outreach of Buksh Foundation’s “Lighting a Million Lives” (LaML) project for themarginalized communities, who are completely detached from the national grid.The agreement will also build and strengthen long-term collaboration between Buksh and the Dutch government to provide alternate energy solutions.
Lighting a Million Lives is an impact led project that caters to the electricity needs of the energy impoverished communities of Pakistan. LaML has been designed for the less privileged with little or no access to electricity, skills, education or modern technology. Through project expansion 7 female entrepreneurs (Light Ladies) will be created, 14 technical enterprises will be created- upscaling to illuminate 7 off grid villages of Bahawalpur 1,750 lives will be directly impacted whereas 3,500 indirect beneficiaries will be created. LaML makes use technology which is not only environment friendly but also user friendly, the model makes up of 250 watts of energy. It uses 5 junction boxes each consisting of 50 watts, 50 solar lanterns and 5 solar panels that are installed in the Light Lady’s house.
On this occasion, the Chairman Buksh Foundation said: “Pakistan is facing a serious power problem and to cater to the energy needs of 63.8 % population of 196.17 Million that lives in absolute darkness,across the rural areas of Pakistan, is deprived of energy supply. Netherland embassy has always been socially responsible, we believe it is a great initiative by this friendly country, to be a part of one of the most innovative models impacting millions living in the dark, by cooperating with Buksh foundation in the spirit of benefiting our country.”
Fiza Farhan – Chief Executive Officer Buksh Foundation said” Buksh Foundation is extremely proud of this new partnership with Dutch Embassy,which promises immense impact in the targeted communities, as we provide them with Solar charging stations, while furthering women empowerment and economic activity in the areas. With the support of the Embassy, we will be able to provide clean energy to those households that were earlier living in the dark; enabling them to get access to better education, health, economic activities, mobilization- simply a better life”
Buksh Foundation has worked in collaboration with diverse national & international partners; Coca-Cola Foundation, Engro Corporation, Bank Alfalah Limited, Men’s Store, United Bank Limited, USAID, PTI, Imran Khan Foundation, Zong, Ufone are helpingBuksh to boost energy security in rural areas of Pakistan, where it has connected several houses through Solar Based Domestic Lighting Systems.
Buksh is also one of the most active Foundations working in the development sector of Pakistan and is collaborating with ADB, Energia, UN Foundation, World Energy Council and Myanmar government to provide access to clean energy for millions living in the dark.
