Horizon Initiative

HORIZON INITIATIVE HOSTS "LIGHTS ON' EVENT FOR RURAL KENYA
Non-Profit Organization Brings Affordable Solution to Households in the Dark
(Lancaster PA)    22 million people living in rural Kenya have no light in their homes.  But the dedicated, driven team at Horizon Initiative have made it their mission to change that -- one household at a time.  

Horizon Initiative, headquartered in Lancaster, is hosting "Lights On:  A Night for a Brighter Africa" on Thursday, February 19.  The goal of the event is to increase awareness of this problem within the community, and showcase both reliable and affordable energy solutions.

"Imagine a life where darkness is the norm," said Bill Power, Horizon CEO.  "Think of how that unlit home would make earning a living far more difficult, reading and schoolwork impossible.  We can change that, and in doing so, improve the quality of life for so many in need."

Horizon Initiative is a non-profit organization that rescues Kenya’s orphaned children, and through housing, education and medical support, successfully transitions them to a life of self-sustainability. Horizon's mission also includes energy sustainability among rural Kenyan communities located off the power grid.

Through this community outreach initiative, Horizon has already distributed more than 500 solar lanterns to families living in poverty and darkness. These ‘solar kits’ mean that families no longer rely on costly and caustic kerosene to fuel lamps, improved home safety, cleaner household air, money saved, and a brightly lit home so that women can work later hours, and children can study after school.  

Results of the solar lighting project have been staggering, Power added.

"We've seen a dramatic improvement in the households we've transitioned to this clean, reliable and affordable lighting alternative," he said.  "Family health has improved, and kids are doing much better in school.  We know we are making a positive impact."

But it's only the beginning, he emphasizes.  

"Our work is just getting started," Power stated.  "That's why we need all of Lancaster to come out and learn how they can be a part of our mission to empower those in poverty to self-sustainability."

The Lancaster business community has stepped up their support for Horizon's mission, including a partnership with Alternative Energy Development Group (AEDG) that specializes in clean, affordable and sustainable energy.

Chris Fraga, AEDG's CEO, brings state-of-the-art solutions to this staggering problem, and is eager to work toward Horizon's goals.

"Self-sustainability and innovation is at the heart of all we do at AEDG," Fraga said.  "Which aligns us well with Horizon's mission to bring solar to rural Kenya. We're honored to call ourselves their Energy Ambassador in this cause."