Without electricity in their homes, Lika and her friends struggled to study after dark. Many children have had their homes damaged or destroyed by accidental fires, caused by using dangerous kerosene lamps, or sticks lit on fire, as a source of light.
Thanks to the support of caring donors, Lika and her friends can now look forward to reading books, and studying by the light of their new lamps.
“Before receiving this lamp, I used a torch to read books. But the torch batteries would only last two nights. I am happy to receive my solar lamp and I will do my best to come first in class,” Lika joyfully told us.
“Thank you so much for donating the solar lamp.”
Watch Lika and her friends showing off their new solar lamps:
In remote Chhloung District in Cambodia, the electricity supply is very unreliable. Khsach Andaet, one of the few health centres in the area, often has no lights and no power for vital medical equipment, making it incredibly difficult to support expectant mothers and their unborn babies in the darkness of night.
Doctors and nurses struggle to see what they`re doing when caring for patients, and are forced to rely on hand-held torches, battery-operated lamps, and even the light from their mobile phones when the power unexpectedly goes off.
Pregnant with her first child, Marady arrived at the Khsach Andaet Health Centre in advanced labour. Like many rural Cambodians in poor communities, going to the hospital was not an option €“ the high costs of transportation and hospital services were far more than she could afford.
By the time she arrived at the centre it was nearly 7.00pm and pitch black, the sun had set at 5.30pm. “The midwife said there was no electricity. I was so scared of the darkness. I was frightened my baby would be difficult to deliver. And I was terrified my baby would be in danger,” says Marady.
Like any new mother-to-be, Marady had been wishing for nothing more than a safe delivery and a healthy baby. But without power, both her life and that of her baby were put at risk.
There are many complications that can arise during childbirth, some of which are life-threatening. Severe bleeding, infections, high blood pressure and obstructed labour regularly take the lives of mothers in Cambodia. Premature birth, infection, the placement of the umbilical cord around the neck of an unborn child and breach births are life-threatening situations for both mothers and their children.
