Let There Be Light: Fighting Darkness in Madagascar with Our SOMO Solar Modules

Let There Be Light: Fighting Darkness in Madagascar with Our SOMO Solar Modules

We’d like to share a special story that shows how Sonnenglas® can change the lives of families in Madagascar. Earlier this year, Dagmar Feldmann, the chairwoman of the organization Santatra – Partnership with the People of Madagascar, reached out to us. She had received a Sonnenglas® as a gift from a friend and asked if we could donate some for her school support project in the Farafangana region of Madagascar.

#### From Sustainable Farming to Childcare

Santatra's project supports around 160 farming families in practicing sustainable agriculture while protecting the environment. Through methods like agroecology and agroforestry, the soil is protected from erosion, and the cultivation of staple foods, as well as vegetables, spices, and coffee, is promoted. The project particularly focuses on 30 children who, since last year, have been under the care of Joicia, a dedicated young woman from Madagascar. She regularly visits the families, and on Saturdays, the children gather at Santatra’s premises, where they receive lessons on topics such as hygiene and nutrition, and enjoy a warm meal.

#### Huts Without Electricity and Water

These families often live in very basic conditions: in self-built huts without electricity or running water, where children share only a few square meters of living space with their many siblings. Imagine their joy when, just before Dagmar Feldmann's trip to Madagascar, some exciting news arrived: We would be donating 40 SOMO solar modules for the project!

The Sonnenglas units were lovingly packed by students from the Warburg Secondary School — along with a small Malagasy picture book, some pencils, and a greeting card. When these gifts were handed over, the children and their parents were overjoyed.

The children transport their presents home

A light that doesn’t need batteries but charges simply by being placed in the sun — this was something special. It brings brightness into their huts and allows families to look at and read picture books even after nightfall. For outdoor use, too, the Sonnenglas provides a safe and reliable source of light.

Light without electricity!

#### Creative Solutions Through Ingenuity

Dagmar Feldmann shared, "The parents were so grateful for this wonderful gift! We had tried different ways to hang the lights and came up with the solution of cutting empty plastic bottles so that the solar module fits perfectly over the opening.”

Upcycling in Malagasy: Homemade solar lantern made from a plastic bottle and

During her trip, Dagmar Feldmann used a Sonnenglas® herself, as electricity often fails in many regions of Madagascar: "Even where electricity is technically available, power outages are common. With the Sonnenglas®, I was always able to navigate the rough terrain safely or have light in the shower or toilet. In Germany, we’re so used to simply flipping a light switch or relying on motion sensors. It's only when you’re without electricity that you realize how often you need light and how dependent we are on it."

We are grateful to Ms. Feldmann and the Santatra organization for their outstanding commitment, and we’re happy to contribute to improving the quality of life in Madagascar with Sonnenglas®.

Sunny regards,
your Sonnenglas Team
Photos: Santatra e.V.