Programme supports people with solar lights

PEOPLE in Marmar, Pomio, East New Britain, now have solar lights, thanks to a small grants programme supported by Oil Search Ltd (OSL) and the Oil Search Foundation.
Peter Kantete, a 2018 grants recipient, set out to improve life for his community by installing solar lights in his home village of Marmar.
“I wanted a safer village at night, especially for women and girls, lighting for children and young people to read and study and amenities to allow night time meetings,” he said.
“This grant enabled me to provide good lighting for my community who previously used kerosene lamps as their main source of lighting.”
Jenny Kaumana, a 2020 grant recipient, said since the outbreak of the Covid-19, violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence had increased and she had witnessed this happening in her community.
“My project aims to address domestic violence through awareness raising,” she said.
OSL country manager Leon Buskens said they were aware that many people played multiple informal leadership roles in helping their communities to find solutions to local and social issues.
“We know that sometimes, a small amount of funding can help make a difference which often leads to a bigger positive outcomes,” he said.