Over 800 million people worldwide do not have access to electricity, denying them many of the benefits of the modern world. We believe hope and innovation start with access to clean power. Our mission is to empower vulnerable communities on the frontlines of climate change, loss of wildlife and environmental devastation. We achieve this by donating clean energy technologies and facilitating the recruitment of local people and organizations to install, operate and maintain the systems which make their communities more independent, resilient and sustainable. Our approach improves lives and the environment, encourages local development, and serves as a catalyst for the adoption or expansion of renewable energy in the regions we serve. Empowered by Light’s first project, Solar: ZAMBIA, began as an effort to deliver thousands of solar-powered LED light/cell phone charge kits to very remote areas with no access to electricity. In 2011 and 2012, EBL delivered light kits to 52 basic schools throughout the Shangombo District in the Western Province of Zambia. With the kits, school-age children have been able to study at night, after the sun has set, improving their grade performance and their chances for a better life. In 2013, we built our first solar micro grid at Sioma High School in Zambia, a school comprised of 27 buildings that serves over 600 students. Since then, we have completed nearly 50 solar and energy storage projects in eight countries.