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Haiti

Brighten Haiti

42 Flash Forward study lights delivered, adding an estimated 252 learning hours each day.

Solar power for schools and communities across Haiti.

Students in a school computer lab in Haiti
Photo: Brighten Haiti

42

study lights delivered

252

estimated study hours a day

300+

schools in the Solar4Schools goal

109

schools in the current campaign

About Brighten Haiti

About Brighten Haiti

Brighten Haiti was founded in 2020 by Kevin Keene to answer a stark fact: fewer than 40% of Haitians have access to electricity, and in rural areas that figure drops below 15%. The organization brings solar power to the schools, hospitals, civic buildings and families that the grid has never reached.

The model is built for scale. Brighten Haiti collects used and discounted solar equipment from the United States, screens and repurposes it, and trains Haitian apprentices to install and maintain the systems. That keeps installation costs near $0.80 per watt, roughly 80% below a comparable U.S. system, and the work earned pv magazine’s 2022 Sustainability Award. Graduates of the apprenticeship have gone on to start solar businesses of their own.

Its motto is a Haitian proverb: “Men anpil, chay pa lou” — many hands make the load light. Flash Forward’s 42 study lights extend that work past the school gate: Brighten Haiti’s school relationships place each light with a student who can keep studying after dark at home.

Their work

Programs at Brighten Haiti

A student using a computer in a Haiti school classroomPhoto: Brighten Haiti

Solar4Schools

The largest solar-for-schools effort in Haiti’s history, working toward more than 300 schools and nearly 150,000 students. Each school gets a 3kW solar system powering lights, fans and a computer lab loaded with 6,000 books, Wikipedia, Khan Academy and coding courses in Creole, French, English and Spanish.

Brighten Haiti solar apprentices at a St. Matthews school installationPhoto: Brighten Haiti

Solar Apprentice Program

Haitian trainees learn to install and maintain solar systems, along with the business fundamentals to launch companies of their own — building a local solar workforce instead of flying one in.

Used photovoltaic solar panels awaiting screening and reusePhoto: Brighten Haiti

Solar ReUSE

The United States discards more than 13,000 tons of solar panels a year, most bound for landfill. Brighten Haiti screens used panels for safe, productive units and gives them a second life electrifying schools, homes and hospitals in Haiti.

The partnership

How the lights reach students

Flash Forward provides the lights to Brighten Haiti free of charge. Brighten Haiti chooses which students receive each light; the partner knows the students and households. Student interns in Bellevue build the lights; the partner puts them to work.

Brighten Haiti student essays

In their own words

26 students at Institution Sainte Bernadette Soubirous de Dumas, a school in Dumas served by Brighten Haiti, wrote essays in November and December 2025 for a Brighten Haiti essay contest (English translation).

“The solar system is not just light, it's our hope for the future in Dumas.”
Tamisade, NS2, Dumas, Haiti
“I used to hear other kids talk about how beautiful and bright their schools were.”
Mitchcaila, 7th grade, Dumas, Haiti
“When it was hot, we had no electricity for the fans, so we had to make wind with notebook pages or hand fans.”
Saintina, 8th grade, Dumas, Haiti
“A place without electricity is like a machine without an engine.”
Milanda, 6th grade, Dumas, Haiti
“It's a complete change, we work better and more easily.”
Hudson, 9th grade, Dumas, Haiti
“The classroom was dark, and when it got cloudy, we couldn't see well.”
Djinaieka, 7th grade, Dumas, Haiti

Tamisade, NS2

The Importance of the Solar System at My School

Before my school had a solar system, there were many difficulties that affected the proper functioning of the classes. Students were not comfortable at all and often lost concentration. Devices like projectors, computers, and printers couldn’t be used, which limited how teachers could deliver lessons and prepare materials.

It caused a lot of problems. The school often had to spend a lot of money on fuel for the generator, but even that didn’t always guarantee lighting. Students would lose time and sometimes couldn’t finish their exercises.

The solar system has brought the school to a modern level. Students can learn technology better, and teachers can prepare their lessons on computers, with better concentration in class. It also brings security because the school stays lit even when it’s dark. In addition, the school reduces its electricity expenses and contributes to protecting the environment.

It’s a big advantage for our community in Dumas because children learn in good conditions, which motivates them to become smarter, more disciplined, and more committed. The solar system is not just light, it’s our hope for the future in Dumas.

What would you like to be in the future?

When I finish school, I would like to become a great doctor so I can help sick people get care and contribute to improving the health of the community. That has been my dream since I was little because I want to serve society with all my heart.

I would like to sincerely thank Brighten Haiti for their support, their commitment, and the love they have for the Dumas community. Thank you for everything you are doing to help us grow, achieve our dreams, and bring more hope for tomorrow. We truly appreciate you!

Mitchcaila, 7th grade

I

The importance of the solar system at my school

When I used to come to school, I often felt hot and had difficulty learning because there was no light when the sky got dark. I couldn’t charge my phone, I wasn’t comfortable, and I felt embarrassed. I used to hear other kids talk about how beautiful and bright their schools were. Fortunately, we installed a solar system at my school.

We used to struggle to type our exams, but with the solar system, the school has changed. We didn’t have fans, we didn’t have lights, and we didn’t feel comfortable. I’m very happy to explain how things were before we had the solar system at my school. We had trouble doing computer classes, even though we had a computer room.

II

Now there has been a big change at school. I don’t feel hot anymore, I don’t struggle to learn, and we have bright lights at school so I can see clearly when it gets dark. I can charge my phone now, I feel comfortable, and I’m no longer embarrassed. We no longer have problems typing our exams. Since the solar system was installed, the school has changed. We now have fans, we have lights, and we live comfortably. I want to say thank you to Uncle and the Brighten group. I no longer have difficulty doing computer classes.

Ansderly, 7th grade

My name is Ansderly, I am in 7th grade at “Institution Sainte Bernadette Soubirous de Dumas” and I am happy to speak today about what I didn’t like when there was no solar system at school, and what I like now that there is a solar system at school. Also, to say what I would like to learn when I finish school.

What I didn’t like when there was no solar system at school:

There were some things we couldn’t do that we should have been able to, but because there was no solar system for example, photocopying exams or printing report cards, it took a long time.

What I like now that there is a solar system is that we are more comfortable, we can photocopy quickly, and report cards are prepared much faster.

When I finish school, I would like to study medicine, so I can treat diseases, help sick people all over the world, and assist the organization Brighten to deliver services faster. It will be easier to deal with global health, and I want to earn money to live and help those in need, support street children, and provide food to the hungry.

To conclude, I hope God makes my dream come true and also gives me a good legal job. Thank you for giving me the chance to explain the importance of the solar system in school.

Ansderly

Saintina, 8th grade

Hello to everyone in the Brighten association. Before going any further, I want to thank you for the great solar system you provided to our school, because we were really struggling without it.

I want to let you know that before the school had the solar system, we used to suffer a lot. When it got a bit dark, we couldn’t see properly, and we couldn’t follow the lessons without light.

When we came with our phones, we couldn’t charge them. We had to take them back home with no battery because we didn’t yet have the solar system. When it was hot, we had no electricity for the fans, so we had to make wind with notebook pages or hand fans. And we used to drink warm water.

Since the arrival of the solar system, we feel more comfortable because we no longer need to use notebook pages or hand fans. We now have electricity, fans, and we no longer drink warm water. We also have multiple outlets to charge our phones.

That’s why we want to say a big thank you for this wonderful solar system.

Milanda, 6th grade

Today I feel happy to talk a bit about the experience I had at my school concerning solar energy. Based on my observations, a place without electricity is like a machine without an engine. By that, I mean energy brings major changes to our education: without energy, there is nothing.

The importance of the solar energy system in your school. How was it when there was no solar energy? How is it now with solar energy? What would you like to become?

When the school didn’t have solar energy, everything was difficult. There was no light, no electricity to pump water, students couldn’t use computers, and all activities slowed down. Some days we couldn’t even have class because there was absolutely no electricity.

Since the school got a solar energy system, everything has changed. There is always light in the classrooms, teachers use modern materials, we can drink water easily, and learning has become more interesting. Also, it helps protect nature because it’s a clean energy that doesn’t pollute the environment.

Seeing all of this, I would like to become a technician or an engineer to help more people use solar energy, especially in rural areas.

Rose Vanie, 6th grade

The importance of the solar energy system in your school. How was it when the school didn’t have solar energy? How is it now that the school has solar energy? What would you like?

As a student at I.S.B.S.D in 6th grade, I sincerely thank you with all my heart and love for the great gesture you made by installing the solar system in our schoolyard.

Before we had this system, the school had many difficulties and energy problems. At that time, the administration often had to release students early. Sometimes we couldn’t use the computer, and teachers constantly had trouble preparing materials for their lessons.

Since the system was installed, everything has changed. The heat level has decreased thanks to the proper functioning of the fans. Because we now have light, teachers can continue working even if the weather becomes bad. The computer lab is always functional, and we even have the chance to charge our backup batteries and phones to study when we get home.

Read the remaining 20 essays

Hudson, 9th grade

Solar Energy at My School

Solar energy is very important at my school. It helps the school have electricity regularly, even when there is no power from the state. This allows all the equipment to work properly, and students can learn in good conditions. It is not only more economical, but it is also healthier and safer.

When the school didn’t have good solar energy, there were many problems. The classrooms were dark, students couldn’t see well enough to read or write, and the fans didn’t work. It was very hot, and teachers couldn’t use computers or projectors. It was really bad, we didn’t have access to the internet to do research, and we were very limited.

Since the school has solar energy, everything has become easier. The classrooms are always bright, there is good ventilation, and teaching has become more interesting. Students learn more and feel more comfortable. It’s a complete change, we work better and more easily.

As for me, I would like to become someone who helps the community develop, like an engineer or a teacher who teaches others how to use solar energy to improve their lives.

Kenlove, 6th grade

The importance of solar energy at school, what it was like before, what it’s like now, and what I want to become

I really want to become an electrician.

The sun provides light and heat, which makes life possible on Earth.

In conclusion, solar energy is not just a solution for having light, it is a tool for sustainable development, strong education, and environmental protection. Every school that has the opportunity should implement it to create a better environment for future generations.

Before the school had solar energy, things were difficult. There was no electricity, and the classrooms were dark, especially on cloudy days or when it got dark early. That made it hard for students to see well enough to read or write.

Now that the school has solar energy, everything is better. The solar panels provide regular electricity, allowing the school to function even when the state power is unavailable. With solar energy, teachers can use computers, projectors, and other devices to make classes more interesting.

Djinaieka, 7th grade

When there was no solar system at my school, I didn’t feel good because there was no fan, I was hot, and there was no electricity at school. Even when there were exams, they had to go somewhere else to type the exam. When I didn’t have a book, I had to pay somewhere else to make a copy. I used to come with my phone, but the school had no electricity for me to charge it. The classroom was dark, and when it got cloudy, we couldn’t see well, which means we weren’t comfortable. Even when we had computer classes, there was no electricity to plug in the computers.

Rose Carlie, 9th grade

Today I feel happy to talk about the topic of solar energy at our school. Energy has great value for the development of the school. When the school uses solar power, it brings many advantages, such as saving on electricity costs. By using solar panels, the school pays less for electricity, which allows it to use those savings to buy more teaching materials, books, or improve students’ learning conditions.

Before the school had solar energy, there was no electricity, and the classrooms were dark, especially on cloudy days or when it got dark early. This made it hard for many students to see well enough to read or write.

Now that the school has solar energy, everything is much better. The solar panels provide regular electricity, which allows the school to function without problems even when there is no power from the state. With solar energy, teachers can use computers, projectors, and other devices to make classes more interesting.

What I would like is for schools to have good materials, proper lighting, and technology so students can learn in good conditions. I encourage people to work together and help one another so the community can stay united.

Thank you!

Antz-Kerby, 6th grade

The importance of the solar energy system at school: I no longer feel the heat, I drink cold water, and I enjoy fresh air.

When there was no solar energy system at school, I used to feel very hot and didn’t get any fresh air.

Now that the system is here, I enjoy the breeze and no longer feel the heat.

I want to become a doctor so I can help Brighten with its work.

Fedeline

The importance of the solar system at school

It is with great joy that I write this text to participate in this wonderful contest. I feel proud because I have the opportunity to speak about a very important topic for the future of our school: the solar system.

The solar system brings many benefits to us as students. It allows us to have regular electricity so we can study and use technology. With light in the classrooms, we can read better, teachers can use projectors and computers, and learning becomes easier.

Before we had the solar system, the school often had no electricity, classrooms were dark, and we couldn’t use devices. At that time, we were limited in what we could learn.

Now that the school has a solar system, everything has changed. We have light every day, we can use technological devices, and the school has become more modern. This makes students more motivated to learn, and learning has become more effective.

Tsaphnath, 9th grade

Today I am happy to take my pen to write to you about the importance of solar energy in my school. Before I begin, I would like to tell you about the difficulties we faced before solar energy arrived at school.

At the beginning, there were problems such as: the heat (it was very hot) and when we looked at the board, we saw nothing because there was no lighting, and we couldn’t charge our phones.

Now, with the installation of solar energy, everything has changed.

We can do activities like typing information, computer class goes well. It also helps us fight the heat with fans. When it gets dark, we can turn on the lights to better see the board, and we can charge our phones.

In the future, I would like to become a doctor to treat the sick, continue my career as a professional singer, and go into business.

In conclusion, solar energy plays an important role in the school. Not only does it allow us to work in the dark, but computer learning is also becoming easier. It also helps us fight the heat. I take this opportunity to thank you for your support in the school.

Anaelle, 8th grade

Definition of the sun:

The sun is a luminous star that we observe in the sky.

What is the solar system?

The system itself includes a set of elements related to the sun. It is made up of electrical wires, panels, generators, transformers, refrigerators, and regulators. Its purpose is to make the system function properly, ensure good lighting, and provide reliable electric energy. It helps students study better at night, allows us to charge our phones, and gives us a pleasant atmosphere thanks to the fans, especially during hot weather.

When there was no solar system at school, students experienced discomfort due to the heat, and breathing was unpleasant. It often made learning difficult. Mosquitoes constantly disturbed us.

The arrival of the solar system at school has been the most favorable moment for us. It provides good learning conditions, supplies consistent energy, and helps us solve schoolwork problems.

I would like the system to remain permanent and be expanded and managed throughout the life of the school.

Halsens, NS3

The importance of the solar system in your school, how were you when there was no solar system in the school? When there was a solar system in the school, how was it for you with the system?

Solar systems are a technology that uses sunlight to generate electricity. In my school, this system brings many advantages that make the lives of students and teachers easier.

Before the solar system was installed, the school was often without electricity. This made lessons difficult because we couldn’t turn on or use the computers, and the teachers sometimes had to stop lessons because of the lack of electricity. This meant we wasted time and had less motivation to learn.

A person named Brighten takes care of the solar system, he does all the repairs to keep the system running smoothly, we want to thank Brighten very much for the work he does every day. Thanks to him, the system is still efficient and the school continues to enjoy the benefits.

Wanbedjy, 6th grade

I feel happy to talk about the solar energy system at my school, and I feel proud because it is very important for the school.

The system in my school is very important because it allows the school to always have light. It helps teachers and students work better since they can use materials that require electricity, like computers and projectors, and we can also charge our phones.

Solar energy is something very important for the school because it serves as another source of light. Before, there was heat, but when they decided to install the solar system, it made me very happy because they also put fans in every classroom.

In summary, the solar system is a good solution for schools because it is useful for learning. That’s why all schools should consider installing solar energy systems.

Daddy Yankee, 9th grade

The importance of solar energy in our school

Solar energy is very important for our school. It is a natural source of electricity that comes from the sun. When we use solar energy, the school can have light in all classrooms, teachers and students can use computers, and there is no need to worry about power outages.

Solar energy helps the school save money because it doesn’t need to buy fuel or pay electricity bills every month. It makes no noise, produces no smoke, is good for health and the environment, and provides more safety and stability, because even when there is no electricity in the area, the school can still operate.

Moreover, it shows students how science and technology can help us find future solutions.

Here’s how things were when there was no energy at school:

When there was no energy at school, everything was difficult.

We couldn’t turn on the lights in the classrooms, which made it hard to read and write, especially when the weather was dark. Teachers couldn’t use electronic devices like computers or projectors to teach lessons.

There were days when the fans didn’t work, which made the classrooms hot, and students couldn’t concentrate. Sometimes, activities were canceled, and the school had to end the day earlier. Without energy, learning slowed down and working conditions became worse for everyone.

Here’s how things are when there is solar energy at school:

When there is solar energy at school, everything works better.

Classrooms are bright, students can write without difficulty, and teachers use computers and other materials to make lessons more interesting. Fans work, making classrooms cooler. We can charge electronic devices, and there’s no fear of power outages.

Solar energy makes learning easier and helps the school run smoothly.

What I would like the school to have in addition:

I would like the school to have more computers so we can learn about technology.

I would like to see more schools adopt solar systems to help them save more money and resources. If more renewable energy sources are available, it would be good for the environment and ensure that learning continues without power problems.

I would also like more education on how solar systems work, because it’s something important for everyone to know.

Ted, 8th grade

The importance of the solar system at my school

The solar system at our school is very important because it provides a clean energy source. It doesn’t rely on traditional electricity, which can be expensive or not always available. By using the sun as an energy source, it reduces electricity costs. This helps the school save money and use more resources for other educational activities. It also teaches students the importance of using natural resources that don’t pollute the environment.

What was it like before the solar system?

Before we had the solar system, it was difficult because the school had to rely on traditional energy sources, which often led to power outages. This made it harder to use devices or electronics in class like projectors, computers, or other technological tools that help us learn. Also, electricity was more expensive, which prevented the school from investing in other educational materials.

What is it like now with the solar system at school?

Now, with the solar system, the school has more stable energy. It’s easier to use technology in class, creating a more modern learning environment. Sometimes we students can use electricity for special projects like presentations. Also, the solar system helps the school save money, which can be used to improve other aspects of education.

What I would like

I would like to see more schools adopt solar systems to help them save more money and resources. And if more renewable energy sources are available, it would be better for the environment and ensure continuous learning without power issues. I would also like to see more education about how solar systems work because it’s something important for everyone to understand.

Jonial, 6th grade

The solar system is an energy source that uses sunlight to produce electricity. At my school, a solar system was installed to help with the electricity problems that used to slow down activities. This brought many positive changes.

First, the classrooms always have light. We don’t need to worry if city power goes out because the solar system is always there to provide electricity. This allows us to study in good conditions.

Second, teachers can use electronic devices to make their lessons clearer. There are projectors, smart boards, and even computers that work with solar energy. Students can learn faster.

In addition, the solar system helps reduce the school’s expenses. There are no heavy electricity bills to pay every month. This allows the school to use that money for other educational activities.

Finally, it is also good for the environment because it is a clean energy source.

Keysha, 7th grade

Solar system: It is the set of celestial bodies (planets, stars, nebulae, satellites, asteroids, comets, dust) that orbit around a single central star: our sun, under the effect of its gravity.

Before the installation of the solar system at school, I had difficulty working because I didn’t always have enough light to read, write, and learn my lessons, especially in the classroom. However, after the installation of the solar system, I am very happy because I do my schoolwork better, and I can work during the day and night easily as if I were at home.

The importance of the solar system:

The solar system is vital to life on Earth because it provides the light and heat necessary for the survival of living beings. It also enables photosynthesis and creates a balanced climate thanks to gravitational influence and the presence of the moon.

Djevara

The importance of solar energy in schools

Solar energy is a source of electricity and light that comes from the sun. It is very important for schools, especially in areas where electricity is not always available.

When a school uses solar energy, it can power lights, fans, computers, and other devices that support student learning. This allows the school to operate better, even without electricity provided by the government.

Moreover, solar energy does not pollute the environment, it is more economical in the long term, and it promotes sustainable development. That is why solar energy represents a great advantage for schools.

What is it like when there is solar energy at school?

When a school uses solar energy, life becomes easier for students and teachers. Light is always available even when government electricity is not. This allows students to study in better conditions.

Roudjecie, NS2

Today I am very happy to write an essay to talk about the importance of the solar system in my school.

The solar system is very important in my school because it helps us have electricity without depending on other sources. It allows us to light the classrooms and use computers, which makes learning easier and more enjoyable for us students.

When the school didn’t have the solar system, school life was very difficult. When there was bad weather, like when it was about to rain, the classrooms became dark inside, which made learning even harder.

Karla Shnaïdina, 6th grade

Importance of the solar energy system in the school

The solar energy system provides the school with uninterrupted electricity. When there are problems with the power grid, it usually causes difficulties for teachers to use materials like computers, projectors, and also the lighting in classrooms. With this solar system, the school now has stable electricity, which allows classrooms to continue functioning normally.

I hope we build more classrooms and improve our sanitary conditions.

How was it when the school had no solar energy?

When there was no solar energy, the school didn’t function well, due to the heat that was always present in the classrooms.

With solar energy, conditions have become extraordinary, and everything works well.

What would you like to be?

I would like to be a flight attendant.

ANS Edelcy, 7th grade

I

I didn’t like the school because there was no electricity. When the teachers were teaching, we used to get discouraged because there was no fan in the classroom, we had headaches, and there was no energy.

II

But now I like the school because there is electricity. I learn well, we now have light in the classroom, and we’re no longer discouraged because the school now has a solar power system.

Fedson, 6th grade

Importance of the solar energy system at school

Solar energy is a natural energy source that never runs out.

When a school uses a solar energy system, it brings many advantages for its operation.

First of all, even when the government power goes out, it allows teachers to keep teaching and students to keep learning without interruption.

Geraldo, 6th grade

The importance of the school’s solar energy system is due to the winds. When the school didn’t have a solar energy system, I felt very hot. I didn’t know how to get wind, now I get wind and I don’t feel the heat anymore. I love Agronomy.

Essays by students at Institution Sainte Bernadette Soubirous de Dumas, written for a Brighten Haiti essay contest (English translation).