Ten organisations supporting some of Mauritius’ most vulnerable communities are set to benefit from improved lighting and greater energy independence following a solar equipment donation by Vivo Energy Mauritius. The company, which operates the Shell franchise in Mauritius, has donated around 100 solar-powered lighting units to the organisations as part of its corporate social responsibility programme, under its renewable energy pillar.
Each beneficiary received four floodlights, four streetlights and a wall-mounted light. Designed to operate independently of the national electricity grid, the solar-powered units use energy captured from the sun during the day and stored in built-in batteries for use after dark. Sensors and remote controls allow the lights to be adjusted according to requirements.
Solar lighting for community organisations
The beneficiaries include Southern Handicapped Association, Atelier Sa Nou Vize, Pure Mind Haven, World Light Kids Villa, Centre de Solidarité, SOS Children’s Villages, Fondation pour l’Enfance – Terre de Paix, Fondation Georges Charles, Association pour Personnes en Larmes (APPEL) and Amour Sans Frontières. Together, these organisations work across a range of social issues, including child protection, specialised education, poverty alleviation, disability support, and the rehabilitation and reintegration of people affected by drug or alcohol dependency.
A step towards renewable energy
For Vivo Energy Mauritius, the initiative is intended to go beyond simply providing lighting.“At Vivo Energy, we work to provide more diversified energy solutions to our customers and communities. We also want the communities we support to benefit from the advantages of cleaner energy,” said Fouad Khfifi, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Mauritius. He said the donation represents the beginning of a wider programme aimed at supporting the transition towards renewable energy.“This initiative marks the first step in a broader programme aimed at contributing to the transition to renewable energy and creating lasting value for our communities,” Fouad said.
Safer spaces after dark
For some of the beneficiary organisations, the immediate impact will be felt in a very practical way: improved safety and the ability to continue activities after sunset. At the Southern Handicapped Association, outdoor areas previously became dark at the end of the day, limiting activities and raising safety concerns.“Our outdoor spaces remained in darkness at the end of the day; these lamps will allow us to light the areas around the centre and extend some activities into the evening,” said Ramesh Bondy, director of the association.
Building on existing sustainability efforts
The donation also complements sustainability efforts already under way at several of the organisations. At Fondation pour l’Enfance – Terre de Paix, some facilities are already equipped with photovoltaic systems, while the organisation has introduced other environmentally conscious practices, including recycling and the use of river water. Patricia Yue, deputy director of the foundation, said the solar lighting fits naturally into those efforts. “This donation fully aligns with our commitment to sustainably reducing our impact on the planet,” she said, adding that the new lights would also help address security challenges faced by the organisation.
A second phase planned
The lighting donation is the first phase of Vivo Energy Mauritius’ broader renewable energy project. In the next phase, the company plans to provide photovoltaic systems to other NGOs, enabling them to generate part of the electricity required for their day-to-day operations on site.
