This week we started our d.light solar project Rapid Impact Assessment surveying to determine if the d.light solar lights are having an impact in the communities. Teacher Jai and I started out early Monday morning and spent the rest of the week driving around Oriental Mindoro, interviewing over 80 families who had bought either the d.light s10 or the d.light s250 from the Gelacio I. Yason Foundation Family Farm School Solar Project Social Enterprise. Our first stop was to San Roque, an indigenous community in Bulalacao.

Teacher Jai interviewing members of the San Roque community

Back in San Mariano, we interviewed Mr Rubaya and his family about their purchase of the d.light S10 and S250. Mr Rubaya said that while looking at the d.light box he saw a picture of a farmer working at night in the field. Since then he has started doing planting on his farm at night, which he often finds hard to do during the day because it is so hot.

Mr Rubaya and his family showing their d.light products

Ms Rose Nicodemus purchased a d.light S250 to help care for her mother who had a stroke. She said that the d.light S250 is a great help to her mother and children.

The Nicodemus family

On Thursday, Sir Jessie De Leon from AsiaConnect visited the Farm School to conduct the d.light product orientation. Staff attended the training along with electricians from the local community.

AsiaConnect product training at GIYF-FFS