Latest Newsflash
December 13, 2014
Dear Valued Sponsors and Volunteers,
Thank you for your support throughout 2014 and for bringing us to a successful close. It is because of your generosity and goodwill that our organization is able to continue our important mission of donating solar lanterns to poor and disadvantaged people in Ghana. We made two deliveries this year: February (village of Kuntu) and September (villages of Asikyire Nkwanta and Wogu through Dr. David Maxwell-Jolly).
You positively touched so many lives. Although there is so much to say, I would like to specifically talk about four families who were impacted by your generosity; two from of those families are from the village of Kuntu in the Central Region, one from the village of Asikyire Nkwanta in the Western Region, and the other from the village of Wogu which is in the Upper Region of Ghana.
In February, we visited the village of Kuntu in the Central Region of Ghana. Papa Kofi, a slightly blind man, received one N220 solar lantern for his family. I am not sure what caused the blindness but there has been different stories relating to his loss of sight. One thing I know is that he used kerosene lantern extensively. His family was grateful for your gift of solar lantern.
Papa Kofi receiving the N220 solar lantern from Dr. Kwame Acquaah
Another family who received your gift was Madam Walaaba’s family. She lived in a hut about 8 sq. ft. The roof was made of coconut leaves (that means when it rains, the whole room (in this case, the whole house) is flooded. Coincidentally, Madam Walaaba is also partially blind and reported have breathing problems. I suspect the state of her health is related to the use of kerosene lanterns. Moreover, she is unemployed and relied on the goodwill of other villagers for her daily meals and needs. Your gift of N220 solar lantern to Madam Walaaba is one of the most emotionally touching moment for our mission this year.
(Left) Madam Afua Walaaba receiving her N220 solar lantern gift from Dr. Kwame Acquaah.
Looking on are Ebusua Panyin Ebo Andrews and Kwaku.
(Right) Dr. Kwame Acquaah installing the solar lantern in Madam Walaaba’s hut.
Two lanterns were presented to Mr. Kwabena Grushie, an Elder in the village of Asikyire Nkwanta, in the Western Region. This small village outside of Bibiani is not connected to the electric grid as are most of the villages surrounding Bibiani. The Kerosene lanterns are their main source of light. Though Bibiani is connected to the grid, most of its inhabitants cannot afford the high cost of electricity and therefore rely heavily on the use of kerosene lanterns.
The family of Elder Kwabena Grushie, saying ‘Thank You!’
The next family, whose story has been a joy for me to share are the two virtuous ladies, Ponyouma Bankalle and Helen Mumune, both from the village of Wogu in the Upper Region of Ghana. These sustainable solar lanterns will not only provide light but also help reduce illnesses and the use of kerosene lanterns in the homes. Ponyouma and Helen are grateful.
Ponyouma Bankelle and Helen Mumune from Wogu
There are many communities in Ghana that can benefit from our solar lantern donations. In our opinion, if we can reach one small community at a time, it is worth every effort.
The burning of kerosene has a ripple effect far beyond the lungs of the new borns. In close proximity, the pollution created disperses through the home and is inhaled by other inhabitants, both young and old. The polluted air is rife with carbon dioxide (CO²). A single kerosene lantern produces 100kg of CO² if burned for 4 hours, every day, for the entire year and many have more than one kerosene lantern. This is more than enough to cause death or serious health issues.
The local huts are impacted by the need for light. Traditional birthing attendants serve as midwives in this mostly rural region, as they help new mothers give birth in huts powered by kerosene lanterns. They work mostly in the dark. Should an infant decide to make an appearance after the sunset, the kerosene lantern would be the only source of light. Both mother and the newborn breathe in the smoke.
I want to thank all of you for making this year a success with special gratitude to Dr. Maxwell-Jolly, Ms. Konana Gregory, and Mrs. Debbie Rice. I want all of you to know how much your efforts and contributions are appreciated as well as your continued willingness to help.
I hope you find it in your heart to contribute to our mission and help us do more in 2015. You may donate online at www.taenvironmental.org or www.LightTheWorldCampaing.org. Click Contribute to make a safe and secured PayPal donation or mail a check to Trans-Atlantic Environmental, Inc. P. O. Box 2053, Elk Grove, CA 95759. For tax-deductible, our Federal Tax ID is 27-2481346. Thank you.
I invite you to contact me with any questions that you may have. I wish you and your loved ones a very prosperous 2015!
Respectfully,
Dr. Daniel Kwame Acquaah, President
Email: Kwame@taenvironmental.org
Phone: 916.296.5906