Cambodia: Donation of Solar Lanterns to Families Living in Areas without Electricity

Panasonic Asia Pacific Ptd. Ltd. Cambodia Branch and PEX Corporate Citizenship Department donated 540 solar lanterns to families living in areas without electricity in suburbs of Phnom Penh through a Cambodian NGO on March 22 and 23. The donation was part of the LIGHT UP THE FUTURE project.

The solar lanterns went to the villages of Say and Prey Tom, located around six hours by car from Phnom Penh. Most of the villagers get by on less than $100 per month.

Aiming to help to improve learning opportunities at night, the solar lanterns will preferentially be given to families with children.

A total of 130 people attended the ceremony, including Mr. Matsumoto, the head of Panasonic Asia Pacific Ptd. Ltd. Cambodia Branch, the governor of the local district, community representatives, as well as representatives and staff from our collaborative partners, the JELA Foundation and Life With Dignity, and local residents.

Visiting the villages the next day after the ceremonies showed the light being put to use straight away, with some children singing with music textbooks open under the lanterns and others being taught by their parents. The LIGHT UP THE FUTURE project will continue to collaborate with many partners to help support the creation of opportunities to improve people's education, health, and income.