Zonta Club of Bendigo Inc lights the way by assembling Solar Buddies
Recently, members of the Zonta Club of Bendigo Inc, Australia, had the opportunity to learn about and directly impact the lives of people experiencing energy poverty by assembling JuniorBuddy solar lights.
This hands-on workshop was delivered by Ember Chittenden from the Bendigo Tech School, also a proud Zonta member, as part of their Illuminating Futures Program. The initiative raises awareness about the global issue of energy poverty and inspires action toward creating a brighter, safer and more sustainable future for communities without reliable lighting.
Each JuniorBuddy solar light assembled is a compact, durable and purpose-designed device created specifically for use in off-grid communities. The lights are child-friendly, lightweight and emit a safe, clean source of light for studying, cooking or moving around at night. They replace harmful kerosene lamps, reduce fire risk and respiratory issues, and provide an immediate boost to educational outcomes by enabling children to read and learn after dark. These small but mighty lights truly live up to their mission, to give children the power to shape a brighter future.
Each Zonta member not only assembled a light but also wrote a personal letter to accompany it. These “LetterBuddies” connect the givers here in Australia with recipients overseas, often children living in energy poverty. The letters are filled with encouragement and hope. “The children who receive these letters are transfixed by the kind words of encouragement and friendship,” read a reflection from a SolarBuddy recipient.
Real-World Impact of 50 JuniorBuddy Lights:
- 250 lives positively impacted
- 365,000 extra study hours created at night over 10 years
- 50 family wages saved (equivalent to 16 weeks’ earnings)
- 1,065 seedlings’ worth of environmental benefit
- 64 tonnes of CO₂ emissions reduced
The workshop concluded with a symbolic moment of solidarity. The room was darkened to represent the reality of life without electricity for millions of children worldwide. As stories of gratitude from past recipients were read aloud, each Zonta member switched on their newly assembled light—one by one, the room began to glow, symbolizing hope and collective impact.This initiative exemplifies the heart of the club’s mission by improving education and health outcomes, providing hands-on service and promoting global understanding through compassion and fellowship.
By participating in the Illuminating Futures Program, the Zonta Club of Bendigo Inc demonstrated how service, empathy and action can transcend borders—brightening lives and building a better world for women and girls everywhere.
Learn more about the initiative here.