Illuminating Communities is a place-based initiative by SolarBuddy that addresses the deep-rooted challenge of energy poverty in remote First Nations communities across Australia. The program improves access to safe, sustainable lighting and delivers culturally responsive STEM education, co-designed with local partners to meet community-identified needs and priorities. In many remote communities, limited or unreliable electricity ...
SolarBuddy
Illuminating Communities
GOAL
$128,800
Australia > National / Multi-state > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- First Nations communities
Target Population
- Young people (6-25)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
SolarBuddy
SolarBuddy is an Australian-founded international non-profit organisation dedicated to ending extreme energy poverty through innovative solar solutions and global education. Guided by the belief that access to energy is a basic human right, SolarBuddy provides solar lights to children and communities living in energy poverty, empowering them to study, work, and live safely after dark.
Since its inception in 2016, SolarBuddy has illuminated the lives of over 1.7 million people across 28 countries, including remote First Nations communities in Australia, the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. The organisation also delivers award-winning STEM education and corporate engagement programs that inspire global citizenship and drive social impact.
Operating as a proud participant of the UN Global Compact and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SolarBuddy is committed to creating a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future for all.
Project Summary
Illuminating Communities is a place-based initiative by SolarBuddy that addresses the deep-rooted challenge of energy poverty in remote First Nations communities across Australia. The program improves access to safe, sustainable lighting and delivers culturally responsive STEM education, co-designed with local partners to meet community-identified needs and priorities.
In many remote communities, limited or unreliable electricity restricts opportunities for children to study after dark and for families to safely participate in everyday life. This program seeks to change that—by equipping students with their own solar lights through engaging, hands-on STEM workshops, and installing larger solar systems to power key community infrastructure.
Each community engagement is led in partnership with local schools, Elders, and trusted organisations, ensuring cultural relevance, community ownership and long-term impact. Children learn about renewable energy and assemble JuniorBuddy solar lights that they take home – extending study hours, replacing hazardous lighting alternatives, and supporting improved educational and health outcomes.
The program offers a scalable, high-impact model that strengthens community resilience while promoting sustainability and STEM learning.
To date, SolarBuddy has identified 20 high-priority communities across the Northern Territory, with plans to reach 4–6 communities over the next 12 months. By combining innovation with Indigenous knowledge and community leadership, Illuminating Communities is helping create brighter, more equitable futures – one light at a time.
Project Outcomes
Illuminating Communities delivers both immediate and long-term benefits for children, families and communities experiencing extreme energy poverty.
Expected outcomes include:
- Improved educational outcomes: Access to solar lights enables children to study safely after dark, supporting homework completion and learning continuity.
- Strengthened STEM engagement: Students participate in hands-on workshops that introduce renewable energy, technology and global citizenship. This fosters curiosity, confidence and a stronger connection to future-focused learning.
- Healthier, safer households: Replacing candles, kerosene or diesel generators with clean, solar-powered devices reduces exposure to harmful fumes, minimises fire risk and decreases household energy costs.
- Community empowerment: Every program is co-designed with local partners, ensuring alignment with cultural values and community aspirations. This supports stronger local networks, deeper engagement and improved program sustainability.
- Resilience and scalability: With delivery infrastructure and partnerships already in place, the program is primed for regional expansion. As more communities come on board, the collective impact grows - creating ripples of opportunity across generations.
Beyond lighting homes, Illuminating Communities illuminates potential. It strengthens educational equity, supports community-led climate solutions and fosters partnerships rooted in respect, sustainability, and self-determination.
By delivering practical tools and meaningful learning opportunities, the program empowers children to dream bigger and communities to thrive - paving the way for a more just, connected and climate-resilient future.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $128,800
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Funding Gap | $128,800 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| JuniorBuddy Costs | $7,000 |
| STEM Delivery | $15,000 |
| Solar Flood Lights | $60,000 |
| Travel, Permits, Logisitics | $10,000 |
| Program Management | $20,000 |
| Indirect cost recovery and overheads | $16,800 |
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