23 July
The Power of Light: WATTS On is Transforming Education for Students Off-Grid
The Econic Earth Foundation has shifted its focus to a single, high-impact initiative: ‘WATTS ON: Lighting Students’ Lives.’ This program is dedicated to solving the biggest barrier to education for children living off-grid across Africa: the inability to study after dark. By delivering portable solar lamps, we are not just illuminating homes—we are unlocking a new future for the next generation of changemakers.
A Note from Nicole: “Over the years, our nonprofit worked across education, conservation, and clean energy—but in 2023, we took a bold step: moving one pilot program into full scale. Branded and launched, WATTS On quickly became our main focus thanks to its powerful impact and ability to scale.”
WATTS ON: Program Focus and Global Goal
The WATTS On program is meticulously designed to give the best possible support to students in their upper primary and exam years, a key drop-out segment. The aim is simple: ensure every child has a chance to reach secondary school and beyond.
- Cost and Commitment: The program costs just $15 per student, which includes the solar lamp, program delivery, and 1–2 years of ongoing monitoring on educational performance and changes at home.
- Core Benefits: Lamps replace harmful kerosene and wood used for light, significantly improving health and safety at night, promoting mental wellbeing, and giving children the critical time needed to study after dark.
Our Bold Goal: Reach 1 Million Students by 2030
Partnership and Documentary Spotlight
To achieve our global vision, we’ve partnered with ChildFund Africa , whose deep local presence allows us to scale the program into "last mile" regions across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Uganda and Senegal.
Our work and its transformative impact are captured in our documentary short film, LIGHT. The film has received international acclaim, including official selections at global festivals and screenings at major platforms like COP16in Riyadh and the United Nations Headquarters in New York. [Watch the Trailer]
Country Spotlight: Transformation in Kenya
Kenya is where Econic Earth began working in 2019, and the transformation has been most visible. Our impact here shows the direct correlation between lighting and academic success.
Impact on National Exam Scores: In 2019, schools witnessed notable increases in the National Exam scores of Class Eight candidates. For instance, Songa Primary School saw an improvement of 1.26 points in 2019 alone, underscoring the immediate value of solar access.
2025 Scale-Up: Our largest distribution yet was made possible by the Niraj Bhatia Foundation and our partner ChildFund Kenya. We successfully reached 8,735 students across five regions: Kajiado, Narok, Isiolo, Marsabit, and Samburu.
Holistic Impact: Students now have greater ability to complete assignments, feel more supported, and report fewer medical issues from insect bites, security risks, and exposure to kerosene smoke.
“I used to burn my fingers on the flame. Now I can do my homework safely.”
— Joshua, Grade 7, Samburu, Kenya
We are honored to have been featured alongside incredible women driving renewable energy innovation in the Women in Power Systems Magazine! Read the article to learn more about our foundation's history and leadership.
Together, we are brightening children’s lives for the next generation of changemakers. Thank you for being part of this journey toward our vision of 1 million students by 2030.
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