VELUX continues to bring light to Africa and handball to Malawi

The VELUX group, title sponsors of the VELUX EHF Champions League, has been celebrating its 75th anniversary by bringing sustainable, reliable and affordable light to off-grid regions in southern and eastern Africa.

Last May, handball fans in Cologne's LANXESS arena had the opportunity to help donate Natural Light solar lamps, which were among 20,000 delivered to Zambia, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone and Malawi at the beginning of 2017.

The Natural Light project, in collaboration with social business Little Sun and NGO Plan International, has not only given people more independence and the ability to work, study and cook safely in the dark, but it has also made it possible for local young entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Sierra Leone to develop their own independent businesses selling Natural Light solar lamps.

Making strides in Malawi

The latest phase of the project has seen a fourth African country involved, Malawi, a nation with only 10 per cent of the population connected to the national grid.

1,000 lamps, including those donated at the VELUX EHF FINAL4 2016 were given to a school and health clinic near the capital city Lilongwe.

Michael K. Rasmussen, Senior Vice President, Brand, the VELUX Group, said: "We have extended the program to Malawi after the very positive uptake in the other countries - team members from Zambia had shared the story with the new project participants in Malawi, and we are excited to have them join the Natural Light family.”

A number of local sales agents in Malawi were trained on how to sell the solar lamps, through a series of workshops, roleplaying, demonstrations, and group work.

The spirit of VELUX’s ‘Let’s Play’ campaign has also been extended to Malawi. Handballs were donated to local children and they were taught how to play the sport.

For more information on the Natural Light project and to help make an impact by buying a solar lamp, click here.