We have received messages of gratitude from the internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in South Sudan, where 1,000 Carry the Sun lanterns were donated in September 2021 with the cooperation of certified NPO Reach Alternatives (REALs)!
Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has continued to experience instability due to armed conflict. As of 2021, approximately 8.3 million people (over 70% of the total population of 10.75 million) are in need of humanitarian assistance.
Although this project began preparations in June 2020, it was caught in unforeseen circumstances such as logistical restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After many twists and turns, we were finally able to deliver them to the site in March 2021. However, distribution did not happen immediately. A carefully considered distribution standard was established to avoid conflicts within the local community, and it was in September of the same year that the lanterns began to reach the "truly needy" people that everyone agreed upon.
(Image provided by REALs)
One year has passed since then...
We have received messages of gratitude from the people who received the Carry the Sun lanterns and use them every day!
We would like to share how the Carry the Sun lanterns you so generously sent are helping on the ground.
■ Monica Theophilus (Female / Gumbo IDP Camp)
"My children, who attend elementary school, couldn't study at night before because there was no light. Thanks to Carry the Sun, they can now study for their tests even at night.
For childcare too, parents can now quickly and cleanly change their babies' diapers, which they previously had to do in complete darkness.
I thank everyone in Japan and Landport who delivered Carry the Sun and supported me and my children. Thank you."
(Image provided by REALs)
■ Albino Urai (Male / Gumbo IDP Camp)
"It is common for dangerous insects to enter our homes here, but thanks to the light, we can detect their intrusion even at night, which helps protect my family and myself.
Also, there are only shared toilets in the camp, and with no streetlights, it's pitch black. There can be dangerous creatures like snakes and insects on the way to the toilet and inside. However, with the light from Carry the Sun, we can avoid such dangers.
"Light" is a precious form of support that changes our daily lives and continuously sustains us. Thank you very much to the people of Japan and Landport who donated Carry the Sun."
(Image provided by REALs)
We are also delighted to know that we are helping to alleviate some of the inconveniences caused by the lack of electrical infrastructure and contributing to the daily lives of those living in the IDP camps in South Sudan.
Once again, we express our gratitude for your understanding and cooperation. We will continue our efforts to deliver "light that brightly illuminates the darkness and warms the hearts of people" to those who need it.
* For those who are interested
Here is the page where you can support regions lacking electrical infrastructure or affected by disasters through "CARRY THE SUN".
■CARRY THE SUN Support Model
