Mar 07, 2012

Panasonic Continues Solar LED Lanterns Donations Program

Following Tanzania in Apr 2011, Panasonic has donated 2,000 Solar LED Lanterns to 15 NPOs and NGOs working toward the solution of various social issues in Cambodia.
The donation was conducted with a special ceremony at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra Hotel at 11:00 am local time on Tuesday March 6.

Commemorative Photo in Front of the Ruins of Angkor Vat

Panasonic is fully engaged in corporate citizenship activities in Asian countries the company has business operations in. In Cambodia, this has taken the form of infrastructure-strengthening aid to NPOs and NGOs working in the country or partial donation of health and welfare expenses for the employees. With the opening of a representative office in Phnom Penh, Panasonic has embarked upon more locally-rooted initiatives with the donation of its products.

Commemorative Photo on March 6
Rechargeable Solar LED Lantern

Cambodia is experiencing firm growth as a member of the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS), but still faces problems such as in education and healthcare as after effects of its long civil war. Electricity in particular has only a 24% spread*. The gift of solar LED lanterns to NPOs and NGOs active in education, healthcare, and other sectors in Cambodia will help to find a solution to these problems.

* Source: The International Energy Agency, World Energy Outlook 2011.

Solar LED lanterns store electricity generated from sunlight in the daytime to act as compact lights at night, without generating CO2 in the process. Using these long-lasting, high quality solar LED lanterns enables literacy education and medical activities at night, giving rise to hopes for great progress in solving social problems.

Solar LED Lanterns Change the Life of Mbola Village in Tanzania

Last April, Panasonic donated 1,000 solar LED lanterns to Mbola Village, an inland region without electrical infrastructure in Tanzania.

The Teacher from Mbola Elementary School is Delighted to use Lantern to Prepare for the Lessons at Night

Before (left) and After (right)

People of Mbola are now able to pursue all kinds of activities at night that would not have been possible before. It is clear that Lantern has given a major impact on the villagers' lives, women in particular.
Targeted activities are now being launched to help create a sustainable society in Mbola, including education for children and the creation of jobs and stable incomes.

As a Green Innovation Company, Panasonic is using its technology and products to develop sustainability in the world in terms of both its business operations and CSR activities, and is driving its efforts to aid the achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).