LMF - Penduka Development Trust Solar Powered Lights
Light that powers women’s work.
On June 12, the Last-Mile-First Development Organisation launched a new partnership with Penduka Development Trust. A hands-on step to improve energy access and boost productivity for women who lack reliable electricity.
As a first move, we delivered five Solar Home Systems (SHS) to Penduka artisans. Women known for turning skill and patience into beautiful trinkets and tapestries. With clean, steady light at home, work doesn’t stop at sunset:
- Evening production continues without strain.
- Children can read and learn after dark.
- Homes feel safer and more comfortable.
This pilot asks a simple, vital question: Does light increase productivity, income, and quality of life? Early voices say yes: Longer, calmer work hours; fewer interruptions; more time to sew, bead, plan, and deliver.
The financial aim is just as practical: With extra home-based earnings after dark, the system can pay for itself over time, turning light into livelihood, and livelihood into lasting independence.
For us, this is the Last-Mile-First mission in action: bridge the gaps with community-driven tools that empower women economically while expanding energy access. We’ll learn from this pilot, scale what works, and keep iterating, so more homes switch on and more businesses grow.
Because when partnership meets purpose, light does more than shine.