The Problem:
Families living in extreme poverty often lack access to electricity. They rely on wood, kerosene and charcoal for cooking and light. A significant percentage of family income is used for these dirty fuels. The usage of bio-fuels promotes poor air quality, environmental degradation, and, when unavailable, night-time darkness. With our solar powered portable lanterns we can eliminate 100% of these sources of toxins and brightened an otherwise dim night.

REEF's Proposed Solution:
The Family First Program equips families too poor to afford electricity with 300 watts of solar energy, complete with a deep-cycle battery. Lighting affords children added hours to study and has a demonstrated effect of increasing primary school graduation rates by as much as 80%, and secondary education by 60%.

The Family First Program equips poor families with cleaner burning cook stoves. Our stoves reduce indoor air pollution by 80% compared to the commonplace 3 stone open fire pit. The stoves generate equivalent heat and burn less material. Particulates and smoke are expelled from indoor areas, thereby promoting a reduction in respiratory health issues.

The Family First Program offsets a single family's cooking and lighting expenses between 40% and 60%. With savings from cooking and lighting materials, income can be diverted to education, health and well-being of the family; factors found to correlate with reduced birth rates and higher education levels.

What You Can Do:
REEF is asking you to help give families an opportunity to break away from a lifetime of poverty.  United Nations has identified the lack of access to electricity as the major factor for families’ inability to improve their lives. A $25 contribution is enough to send a solar powered portable lantern, while a $325 can provide a family with our efficient cook stoves. A donation of any amount is also appreciated.

Please support our Family First program with a donation today. Funds raised from here go directly to the families REEF has identified in 2012.

Thanks for your support