From trash to treasure,How the Chigubhu lantern li...

From trash to treasure,How the Chigubhu lantern lights Up rural Zimbabwe

Audrey Galawu

Assistant Editor

Imagine a world where sunset extinguishes not just the day's light, but a student's ability to learn. This harsh reality faces countless children in Zimbabwe's remote areas, where electricity remains a distant dream.

But a beacon of hope, fueled by innovation and sustainability, is changing this narrative. Enter Aluwaine Tanaka Manyonga, a young Zimbabwean with a bright idea and a big heart. What began as a tinkering hobby in his second year of electrical engineering at the University of Zimbabwe has blossomed into the transformative Chigubhu Lantern initiative.

Manyonga's creation is a marvel of resourcefulness. He crafts these LED lanterns from discarded electronic waste, giving new life to e-waste that would otherwise pollute the environment. The ingenious design houses these lights within repurposed plastic bottles – a testament to Manyonga's commitment to tackling two problems with one solution.

"As an innovator, my goal is not just to provide light," says Manyonga. "It was to harness the power of the sun, light up areas lacking electricity, and do so in an environmentally conscious way."

The Chigubhu Lantern, named after the Shona word for "empty bottle," is more than just a light source. It's a symbol of empowerment. By extending study hours in rural schools, these lanterns illuminate a path towards a brighter future for countless students.

Manyonga's vision extends beyond mere illumination. Zambezi Ark Technologies, the company he founded, distributes not just the lanterns, but also the Chiedza Solar kit. This kit empowers schools with the ability to charge phones and laptops, fostering a connection to the digital world that was previously inaccessible.

The impact is undeniable. Over 1,000 lanterns have been distributed, with half reaching rural schools. This translates to extended learning hours, improved educational quality, and a kindled passion for knowledge that refuses to be dimmed by darkness.

But Manyonga isn't stopping there. He recognizes the crucial role education plays in tackling climate change. The initiative incorporates workshops where students learn the art of crafting their own Chigubhu Lanterns. This hands-on experience equips them with valuable skills in waste management, electronics basics, and the circular economy – all while fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.

"The key to addressing climate change is to teach the young ones how to live sustainably, so that they can create a better future for all," Manyonga believes.