In the heart of Zimbabwe, many rural communities continue to face the daily struggle of living without reliable electricity. The lack of power not only makes life challenging but also endangers families who rely on hazardous alternatives like candles, kerosene lamps, and open flames for light. However, one Grade 12 student from Harare International School, Mikayla Gwendere, is working tirelessly to bring a brighter, safer, and more sustainable future to these communities. Through her innovative project, Gwendere is introducing water solar bulbs — a simple yet revolutionary lighting solution that can empower families and improve their living conditions.
The Inspiration: A Drive for Change
The idea for Gwendere’s project was born from her personal connection to the struggles faced by underserved communities. Growing up, she often heard stories from her family and others about the difficulties of living in rural areas like Tamar Farm, located along Shamva Road, where power outages are common and access to electricity is a luxury, few can afford. Families in these areas often depend on unsafe alternatives such as candles, kerosene lamps, or even burning materials like wood for light.
“I chose this project because I am passionate about addressing the lack of reliable electricity in underserved communities, particularly in areas like Tamar Farm,” Gwendere explains. “Growing up, I was inspired by the stories of families struggling with darkness in their homes and relying on unsafe alternatives like candles and kerosene lamps, which pose fire hazards and harm the environment. This project allows me to combine my interest in sustainable development with my desire to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Her project is not just about providing light; it’s about offering a solution that aligns with her long-term vision for empowering communities through education and innovation. The goal is simple yet powerful: to bring practical, affordable, and environmentally friendly solutions that can improve the quality of life for families in rural Zimbabwe.
The Innovation: Water Solar Bulbs
The concept of water solar bulbs was inspired by Alfredo Moses’s innovative design, which utilizes recycled plastic bottles, water, and bleach to create a sustainable, solar-powered lighting solution. These bulbs harness sunlight to provide a reliable source of illumination during the day, making them ideal for areas with limited access to electricity.
Here’s how the technology works: a simple plastic bottle is filled with a mixture of water and bleach and then installed into the roof of a home. The bottle acts as a refractor, harnessing the sun’s energy and spreading light throughout the room. The bleach helps to keep the water clear, ensuring that the bulb remains effective and durable over time. The best part? The entire process uses recycled materials, reducing waste and promoting environmental sustainability.
By leveraging the power of the sun, the water solar bulb provides a sustainable alternative to burning candles, kerosene, or other hazardous materials. With the ever-growing demand for renewable energy solutions, the water solar bulb can play a significant role in helping rural households reduce their carbon footprint while improving their safety and well-being.
Empowering Communities Through Knowledge
In addition to creating the bulbs themselves, Gwendere’s project is focused on education. She has designed a step-by-step brochure, written in Shona, to ensure that families in rural communities can easily understand and implement the process of building and installing their own water solar bulbs. The brochure simplifies the installation steps, ensuring that even those with limited technical knowledge can contribute to the creation of these sustainable lighting solutions.
The inclusion of Shona in the brochure is particularly important, as it ensures that the message reaches local communities who may not be fluent in English. The brochure not only explains how to install the water solar bulbs but also educates families about the environmental and health benefits of using sustainable energy sources. By helping people understand the importance of reducing reliance on harmful alternatives, Gwendere is fostering a sense of responsibility and sustainability within these communities.
“I want to empower families with knowledge so they can independently build their own bulbs and improve their living conditions,” says Gwendere. “This project is about more than just providing light; it’s about educating people on the importance of sustainability and environmental consciousness. I want to help families create a brighter future for themselves and for generations to come.”
Impact and Future Goals
Since the project began, Gwendere has received positive feedback from the community, with many expressing excitement about the prospect of brighter, safer homes. In rural Zimbabwe, where energy access remains a critical issue, the water solar bulbs are proving to be an accessible and life-changing alternative to conventional lighting. By using locally available materials, the project is also cost-effective, making it an appealing option for families who may not be able to afford traditional solar panels or other modern energy solutions.
Looking ahead, Gwendere has plans to expand the project, reaching more families and communities across Zimbabwe. Her long-term goal is to create a network of individuals and groups who can continue building and installing water solar bulbs in their communities. She also envisions a broader educational campaign, raising awareness about the environmental and health benefits of renewable energy solutions, and teaching young people how they can contribute to creating sustainable futures.
“Through this project, I aim to empower families with knowledge, improve their quality of life, and contribute to a greener, more self-sufficient future,” Gwendere says. “I want to inspire the next generation to take on projects that address critical issues and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.”
A Brighter Future
Mikayla Gwendere’s project is a powerful example of how one individual, armed with creativity and determination, can make a significant impact on the lives of many. By providing an innovative, sustainable, and affordable lighting solution, she is not only brightening homes but also shining a light on the path toward a more sustainable, self-sufficient future for rural Zimbabwean communities.
Through her efforts, Gwendere is showing that the future of energy in Zimbabwe does not have to depend on expensive or harmful alternatives. Instead, the future can be powered by the sun, guided by innovation, and illuminated by the collective power of knowledge and community.
