Bright Light Projects Sierra Leone on the 26th of January 2025, celebrated the International Day of Clean Energy at their office located at 49 Rogbaneh Road Makeni, Sierra Leone with the theme “Clean Cooking as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development”.
This year’s event was an excellent platform for raising awareness, highlighting the critical importance of clean energy solutions in mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable environmental stewardship, with a special focus on clean cooking technologies. The program attracted a range of attendees, including key personalities from various representatives’ sectors and students, from different universities, all contributing their knowledge and support for the clean energy initiative.
The primary objective of the event was to raise awareness about the benefits of clean energy, particularly in relation to clean cooking. It also discussed the environmental impact of traditional cooking methods and the potential of clean cooking technologies in reducing carbon emissions. The event also promoted sustainable energy solutions that can enhance health, economic, and social well-being in Sierra Leone and beyond. A series of informative speeches marked the celebration, and interactive sessions aimed at educating attendees about the importance of clean energy and clean cooking technologies.
However, the International Day of Clean Energy celebration hosted by Bright Light Projects Sierra Leone served as a reminder of the critical role that clean energy plays in addressing climate change, promoting sustainable living, and improving public health as the organization remains dedicated to advancing its mission of promoting clean energy solutions, with a particular emphasis on clean cooking, as a means of building a more sustainable future for Sierra Leone, and other parts of Africa
Samuel Alpha Thoronka, the regional coordinator of Bright Light Projects Sierra Leone, officially inaugurated the event and warmly welcomed all attendees. He highlighted the crucial role clean energy plays in safeguarding the health of both people and the planet, stressing that the transition to sustainable energy is not just an environmental necessity but a matter of global well-being.
In his opening remarks, Samuel spoke passionately about Bright Light Projects’ mission and work, emphasizing the organization’s unwavering commitment to promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He underscored the organization’s ongoing efforts to drive positive change through climate solutions, particularly focusing on clean cooking technologies. These innovations are more than just technological advancements; they represent a lifeline for many communities by reducing harmful emissions and improving overall health outcomes.
He pointed out that the adoption of clean cooking technologies not only helps combat climate change by reducing the use of traditional, polluting fuels but also plays a pivotal role in improving the quality of life for families, especially women and children, by eliminating toxic smoke exposure from open fires.
Samuel noted that the significance of the celebration goes beyond showcasing achievements; it’s a moment to recognize the collective responsibility we all have in advancing the clean energy transition and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
The Vice President of the University of Makeni (UniMak), Amadu Jalloh, delivered a heartfelt and inspiring speech, emphasizing education and research’s role in advancing clean energy solutions. With deep conviction, he underscored the importance of integrating clean energy and sustainability into academic curricula, recognizing that universities like UniMak are not just centers of learning, but also hubs for innovation and positive change.
Amadu spoke passionately about the critical need for the next generation of leaders to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to tackle the pressing challenges of the global climate crisis. He emphasized that the fight for a sustainable future begins in classrooms, where future solutions are nurtured. “We have the power, through education, to shape the minds of tomorrow,” he said. “By embedding clean energy concepts into our academic programs, we’re preparing students to be the trailblazers who will find creative, sustainable solutions to our most urgent environmental challenges.”
Student representative of Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBK), had the privilege of sharing his perspectives on the critical issues of climate change and energy, particularly how these challenges are affecting communities in Sierra Leone. Clean energy, as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is essential for protecting our environment and the health and well-being of people worldwide—specifically, SDG Goal 7-Affordable and Clean Energy.
Issa Conteh is the director of the Save Life Initiative Sierra Leone, which promotes environmental protection. In his opening address, he emphasized that while firewood, charcoal, and other biomass fuels have long been relied upon in our communities, these practices come with serious consequences, he highlighted the impact that traditional cooking methods have on both the health of individuals and the environment including carbon monoxide and particulate matter linking to respiratory diseases, lung cancer, and even premature death. Women and children, who often spend the most time in cooking areas, are particularly vulnerable.”.
He further spoke passionately about the profound challenges posed by traditional cooking methods and the urgent need for cleaner, more sustainable alternatives. With a sense of responsibility and urgency, he addressed the audience, shedding light on the often-overlooked consequences of relying on firewood, charcoal, and other biomass fuels for cooking, which we must stop allowing these cooking methods to destroy our health, as he calls for a collective effort to promote change. And it’s important to note, women and children, who typically spend the most time near cooking fires, are especially vulnerable to these dangers.
Mohamed Kamara, representative of the YANDI Organization, first expressed thanks and appreciation to the Bright Light Projects Sierra Leone team for the organization’s important work and unwavering commitment to advancing clean energy solutions in Sierra Leone. “Their efforts are not just changing lives; they are lighting the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.”
He started by emphasizing the critical importance of clean energy in shaping a sustainable future: “Clean energy is not just an alternative, it is the future, and to invest in renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydro power. These solutions protect our environment, create economic opportunities, and improve livelihoods”.
The Way forward:
- Public awareness campaigns should continue to engage communities and encourage adopting cleaner, safer energy practices.
- Academic institutions to integrate sustainability into their curricula and foster innovation.
- partnerships between government, NGOs, businesses, and local communities must be strengthened
- Advocate for policies that will enable a smooth transition to clean energy.
In conclusion, the event highlighted the critical need for clean energy solutions and the transformative impact these can have on the environment and the health of communities. Each speaker brought valuable insights to the table, from the role of education and research in shaping the future of clean energy to the challenges posed by traditional cooking methods and the urgent need to embrace renewable energy solutions.
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