Global: LIGHT UP THE FUTURE Solar Lantern Donation Activities in Thailand, Vietnam, and South Sudan
As part of its LIGHT UP THE FUTURE project,the Panasonic Group has partnered with several NGOs, NPOs, and international organizations to donate over 120,000 solar lanterns to more than 30 countries and regions. Through local support programs we aim to create opportunities for education, health, and income generation, contributing to sustainable societies free from poverty.
In FY2024, we utilized donations collected through our employee Cafeteria Points benefits program and recycling fundraising (used books, CDs, DVDs, etc.) to distribute approximately 2,700 solar lanterns to Thailand, Vietnam, South Sudan, Kenya, and the Philippines. Below are highlights from the December 2024 solar lantern donation ceremonies in Thailand, Vietnam, and South Sudan.
Thailand: Donating solar lanterns to children in mountainous regions in the north
On December 17, Panasonic Solutions (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (PSTH) partnered with the Ministry of Education of Thailand to donate approximately 100 solar lanterns to children primarily in the mountainous regions of Chiang Rai Province in the north.
This was part of CSR activities titled Panasonic Cares independently being carried out by companies in Thailand.
Many schools in this area lack proper lighting, which impacts the children's ability to study. The solar lanterns not only provide light for reading but also allow family members to work safely and improve their quality of life after sunset.
Additionally, employees donated items which they collected to the children such as winter clothing, socks, school supplies and items essential to their daily lives.
The donation ceremony was attended by PSTH Managing Director Hidekazu Ito, Executive Officer Matsuda, and retail store owners in Chiang Rai, and was covered by several local media outlets. Watch the video showcasing the children's happy smiles!
Vietnam: STEM class for local children and partnership with Generation Z volunteer activities
On December 18, Panasonic Vietnam Co., Ltd. (PV), in partnership with NGO World Vision Vietnam and the People's Committee of Vietnam, donated 500 solar lanterns to an ethnic minority village in the northern Dien Bien Province. These lanterns will be used for side jobs and study at night, helping to increase income and create learning opportunities.
PV's Managing Director Yoichi Marukawa, Director Oka and others joined the ceremony. Nineteen volunteers from all across Vietnam also held a STEM class for children from areas without electricity as part of PV's Generation Z ambassador program.
South Sudan: UN agencies distribute solar lanterns to seven regions as project partners
In December, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) South Sudan held donation ceremonies in seven regions, including the states of Upper Nile, Unity, and Jonglei, distributing approximately 500 solar lanterns.
Providing these lanterns enhances the safety of women, extends their working hours, and creates educational opportunities, supporting their independence.
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A project helping create a brighter future for non-electrified areas - LIGHT UP THE FUTURE
