Welcome to

Light 4 Learning

Living and Learning in a Healthy Environment

Light 4 Learning (L4L) is an exciting initiative of the Community Association of People for Real Enterprise (CAPRE) and community partners. Read More...

Just 3% of the population of Uganda has access to electricity. Read More...

Schools are chosen on the basis of availability of security that can be provided to ensure the safety of the solar system. Read More...

Light 4 Learning (L4L) is an exciting initiative of the Community Association of People for Real Enterprise (CAPRE) and community partners.

CAPRE is a not-for-profit community development organization designed to facilitate entrepreneurial ventures for individuals with intellectual disabilities in the Canning area. Canning is located in the beautiful Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia, Canada.

The Light 4 Learning committee consists of CAPRE participants, board members, community members at large as well as members from the African Canadian community.

Light 4 Learning is a project that has grown out of our will to support The Sheema Women and Disabled People Assoc. (SWODIPA). SWODIPA is a community-based organization that was founded in 1998 by Apollo Leeman Becura. The aim of SWODIPA is to educate, inform and empower rural women, disabled and disadvantaged people for their advancement and survival. SWODIPA has over 300 members active in 17 groups stretching across Bushenyi District in southern Uganda, East Africa.

Light 4 Learning is an opportunity for all of us to learn to be good global citizens. We can take pride in knowing we can extend a helping hand and reach out to another part of the world and make a difference in the lives of other people. We are supporting one another in the spirit of friendship, compassion and unity.

Light 4 Learning’s connection and committee member at a distance is Apollo Leeman Becura. Our contact with Apollo first came in 2004, when he was hoping to study in Nova Scotia and looking to develop friendships before he came. Apollo did not come to Nova Scotia to study but a friendship was formed none the less.

Apollo most recently received his Masters Degree in International Child Health from the University of London, England. He has worked for the American Refugee Committee (ARC) in Kampala, Uganda for several years now. The ARC is a humanitarian group that deals with displaced people in Uganda and Sudan. Apollo is their Operations Manager.

All the schools on L4L’s list are located in Bushenyi District which is where The Sheema Women and Disabled People Assoc. are active. Bushenyi District is a large rural area located 300 km. from Uganda’s capital city of Kampala.

Just 3% of the population of Uganda has access to electricity.

Uganda has no oil or coal but what it does have is an abundance of sun. Kerosene, biomass and wood from trees accounts for over 90% of Uganda’s total energy consumption. The environmental and health concerns from such sources can have devastating effects. Kerosene causes headaches, drowsiness, eye problems, produces nitrogen dioxide that can lead to respiratory infections. By replacing kerosene lanterns with solar powered light, the quality of life is enhanced and the carbon dioxide emissions are reduced. These noxious fumes when inhaled is equivalent to smoking 2 packs of cigarettes a day per person.

Biomass is plant matter such a trees, grasses, crop residue and animal dung. It pollutes the air making breathing difficult, produces carbon monoxide that brings about lung cancer. The carbon monoxide produced from biomass reacts with ozone gas which weakens ozone layers allowing ultra violet rays, which effect the skin which can cause skin cancer. Smoke is also dangerous to people’s eyes, turning them reddish.

Acute respiratory infections caused by inhaling fumes from kerosene or biomass are the most prevalent cause of death in children under 5 yr. of age in developing countries.

Uganda’s environment is being eroded. 90% of Uganda’s population cut down tress for firewood. This deforestation leads to a rise in temperatures that are favorable for mosquito breeding and these mosquitoes cause malaria.

By providing schools with solar generated power, students have the opportunity to learn in a healthy, safe environment.

Schools are chosen on the basis of availability of security that can be provided to ensure the safety of the solar system.

Folks trying to charge their cell phones on the solar system can present a problem for school personnel.

The solar systems are purchased in Uganda. A 6-light solar system is suitable for most schools. Once the funds are sent via Western Union, Apollo takes care of purchasing the solar system. He also ensures delivery and oversees the installation. As you can imagine, the delivery of a solar system is quite a community event with local politicians, school board members, teachers and families. Singing, dancing and food complete the celebrations. Photos are taken and a dvd of the celebration is made.