In refugee settlements like Bidibidi and Nakivale in Uganda, the inside of homes are dark and unlit. Without access to electricity, daily life is a constant challenge. Refugees rely on hazardous lighting sources such as kerosene lamps and candles, risking fire and health issues, while plastic waste piles up in their environment. These conditions limit educational and economic opportunities; children can’t study, read, or do schoolwork after dark.
At Every Shelter, we saw a chance to transform this hardship into possibiliy. Inspired by an innovative project in the Philippines where sunlight-powered bulbs made from plastic bottles illuminated thousands of low-income homes, we embarked on a journey to bring this simple yet life-changing idea to Uganda’s refugee communities.
The concept is straightforward: plastic bottles filled with water and a small amount of bleach are installed into roofs, refracting sunlight to brighten dark interiors. This solution reduces plastic waste and provides a safe, sustainable alternative to traditional lighting.
Lighting the Way: Our Pilot Program
In partnership with Alight, we developed and tested prototype bottle skylights tailored to local housing materials. From there, we launched a community-driven pilot:
• Shelter Depot Demonstrations: Refugees learned how this innovative yet simple technology could transform their homes.
• Bottle Collection Drives: Plastic bottles were gathered, turning waste into opportunity.
• Community Workshops: Refugees were trained to create and install the skylights, fostering skills and ownership.
• Home Installations: With technical assistance, families received their first taste of natural, affordable light.
A Brighter Tomorrow
The impact of these skylights extends far beyond just lighting a room. Homes are safer without the dangers of open flames. Perhaps most importantly, refugees take an active role in building better lives for their families and communities.
Our goal is clear: scale this program to light more homes, reduce plastic waste, and empower communities. With every bottle skylight installed, we’re not just bringing light to homes—we’re bringing hope to lives.
Together, we can continue turning obstacles into opportunities, one plastic bottle at a time until every refugee creates home.
