Moderator’s Challenge raises £15,000 for Malawi solar lights
Published on 24 January 2025 2 minutes read
The Moderator's Challenge, which was launched in December and will fund solar-powered lights for pupils in Malawi, has so far raised over £15,000.
The campaign will enable children to do their homework and advance their schooling with the aid of small solar lights they can borrow from their school.
Writing in the run-up to the International Day of Education (January 25), Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson reflected on a recent visit to Malawi which inspired the fundraising for ‘Let your Little Light Shine', saying:
"It's been said many times ‘Education, Education, Education'. How true and for those who know my background education played (and continues to play) a significant role in my life and ministry. As we approach the International Day of Education I look back to my visit to schools and universities in Malawi and am still amazed to see the thirst for education. Young people walking long distances to get to school. Classes filled with eager expectation and a hope that one day university might become a reality.
"I cannot commend highly enough everyone involved in the provision of education in Malawi, often without the resources we might take for granted - the most notable for me was electricity and lighting! Without power there is limited opportunity to study safely after dark. Internet access (even if available) is impossible. In contrast, I am writing this while overseas on holiday, on my fully charged mobile phone with 100% Internet connectivity.
"It was wonderful to see so many fascinating things and meet so many amazing people while in Africa but I wanted to ensure that, in some way, my visit might make a practical difference. Hence, my Moderator's challenge ‘Let your Little Light Shine' to raise funds for solar power and solar lights. It is great to see the support already given from our members and congregations with over £15,000 raised by 31 December and I am hopeful the total will rise as my year as Moderator progresses. Every single donation is so valued and I am so grateful for the commitment already shown by so many people. These donations will change lives."
Malawi is located near the equator and night-time falls between 6pm and 7pm throughout the year, so it is hoped the additional lighting will help children with their studies in the evenings.
Donations will also provide solar panels to enable PhD students at Zomba Theological University to study.