Freeplay Foundation brings light to Rwanda

Freeplay Energy has been developing some great consumer products over the years, such as the Lifeline Radio, Jonta “human-powered” Flashlight, and the Indigo Lead Lantern. But there is an offshoot of Freeplay we have yet to discuss, which the non-profit Freeplay Foundation is.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011
A Rwandan student, compares studying with a kerosene lamp made from a tomato can to studying with a Lifelight.(Net photo)

Freeplay Energy has been developing some great consumer products over the years, such as the Lifeline Radio, Jonta "human-powered” Flashlight, and the Indigo Lead Lantern. But there is an offshoot of Freeplay we have yet to discuss, which the non-profit Freeplay Foundation is.

With the help of the Lemelson Foundation, and Green celebrity, Tom Hanks, Freeplay has been working to bring clean and renewable energy lanterns to Rwanda.

The Lifelights will replace the old, polluting, and dangerous kerosene lights currently being used in Rwanda.

The technology behind the Lifelight is primarily LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), which provide an amazing amount of light for their size, efficiency rating, and non-toxic nature.
Like Freeplays consumer brand of products, this lantern can be powered/charged by either sunlight or their own patented "wind-up” technology, which is thankfully far beyond most other "shake” flashlights on the market today.

The Lifelights are designed to be almost indestructible and to last for years with minimal maintenance and cost to the owner. Donors like The Lemelson Foundation and Tom Hanks have enabled the development of this appropriate technology which will bring light to many of the children in Rwanda who have been living in the dark once the sun goes down.

Agencies.