Powering Education in Sierra Leone: Unite to Light and World Food Programme’s Partnership for Change

I want to become a presidential guard when I grow up. ​This light will help me study and achieve my dream. "
— John Belmoh, Class Three Student, DEC Primary School Baimbay

John Belmoh using the Luke Light for school work

In a country where nightfall often marks the end of learning for children, a small solar light can transform not just homework routines, but entire futures. Unite to Light’s partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) in Sierra Leone brought light—literally and figuratively—to over 2,200 students, teachers, and farmers in three remote chiefdoms.

The Problem: Energy Poverty and Education

Sierra Leone faces a severe energy crisis. Only 26% of the population has access to electricity, well below the Sub-Saharan average. In rural areas, access is even more limited. Families often rely on kerosene lamps, making it difficult—and sometimes dangerous—for children to study at night.
During a focus group discussion with headteachers in the Pujehun District, many shared that students wake up before sunrise just to finish their homework. This severely limits their academic potential and learning outcomes.

💡Only 26% of Sierra Leone’s population has electricity access (below the 30% Sub-Saharan average).
☀️Children in remote areas often wake before dawn to study due to lack of lighting.

​What is World Food Programme?

World Food Programme is an international organization within the United Nations that provides food assistance worldwide. Since 1968, WFP has worked in Sierra Leone to improve education and food security. Today, it reaches over 216,000 children in 970 schools, providing school meals that supply one-third of students’ daily caloric needs.
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Through their home-grown school feeding program, WFP sources food locally—supporting women-led farming groups and strengthening community economies. It also helps Mother Support Groups in food-insecure areas reduce child malnutrition by training them in nutrition and local food production. Through these initiatives, the WFP contributes to both immediate food security and the sustainable development of local communities in Sierra Leone.

A Light in the Dark: What We Delivered
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Together, Unite to Light and WFP distributed:

• 2,000 solar lights
• 200 solar chargers

These tools reached 2,200 individuals, including:

• 2,000 students (980 boys, 1,080 girls)
• 80 headteachers
• 20 local farmer group leaders​

In the most remote schools, headteachers are responsible for monitoring and reporting on these programs. But with no electricity, they’ve had to send their phones by motorbike to nearby villages for charging—costing time, money, and program effectiveness. With Unite to Light’s solar chargers, they now have the power—literally—to do their jobs more efficiently.
The farmers represent farmer groups which supply locally produced food items used to supplement the school feeding ration. 

​The distribution spanned 28 government-approved primary schools across the rural chiefdoms of Sittia, Dema, and Bendu-Cha in the Bonthe District. These communities are riverine/island-based, which are difficult to access during both dry and rainy seasons and often lack essential infrastructure like health services and electricity.

Joseph Junisa, Head Teacher, charging his phone with a Chandler Charger

I live in a remote area without electricity or charging facilities. I had trouble sharing updates with WFP. Now I can prepare lesson notes and stay connected.”
— Joseph Junisa, Head Teacher, DEC Primary School Baimbay

I live with my grandmom, and she can’t afford a solar light. I found it hard to study at night and my grades suffered. With this light, I hope to do better in exams. "
— Nafiesatu Sharka, Student, Roman Catholic Primary School Mania

Nafiesatu Sharka, holding her new Luke Light

Marie Bendu, aspiring Nurse, holding her new Luke Light

I often went to my classmate’s house to study because they had a light. It was risky, and I didn’t have much time. Having my own light will help me improve my grades. ”
— Marie Bendu, Age 12, Aspiring Nurse

I live in a remote area I am in class two. There is no electricity at home, and I find it difficult to study. This light will help me improve my grades.”
​- Musu Koroma - Pupil DEC primary school Baimbay

Musu Koroma holding her new Luke Light

​These aren’t just quotes—they are glimpses into lives being changed, dreams being reignited, and communities moving toward a more equitable future.

Looking Ahead
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This collaboration between Unite to Light and WFP demonstrates the power of partnerships to drive meaningful change. As WFP continues to automate data collection and expand its programs, tools like solar lights and chargers will remain essential.

We believe that with continued support, this is only the beginning. Light doesn’t just illuminate classrooms—it lights the way to opportunity, safety, and a brighter tomorrow. You can support future programs that support education by selecting Education when you donate. ​

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