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The Rainbow Schools Light Up the World project, which began seven years ago under the leadership of David Wiwchar, has now expanded to include youth from Lively District Secondary School, Lasalle Secondary School, Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School and Manitoulin Secondary School as well as teachers Heather Hall and Michael Zegil.

Students and teachers involved in the project commend the communities of Sudbury, Espanola and Manitoulin for their ongoing support, with a total of $10,000 raised this year. Donations toward the lighting systems, at a cost of $200 each, and sponsorship of student travel is enabling young people in Rainbow Schools to experience the joy of volunteering as they meet their graduation requirement of 40 hours of community service.

“Project partners have joined together, raised funds, and spread the gift of light at an ever increasing rate,” says Wiwchar. “Along with the Light Up The World www.lutw.org partners, YMCA service clubs of Canada and NGOs in Costa Rica, lighting systems have been installed in 540 homes benefitting over 2,700 people or 12 per cent of those living beyond the reach of the electrical grid.”

The 2010 journey to Costa Rica will include visits to an Organic Farm Co-operative that specializes in chocolate production and a working farm that demonstrates environmentally sustainable agriculture. Students will learn about sustainable development first-hand as they install renewable energy systems that save families 30 per cent of their monthly income while providing clean bright light to study by in the evenings.

A total of 85 students have participated in the Costa Rica excursion since the launch of the project. “These students have lived an incredible volunteer experience, bringing light to hundreds of children and families in the rainforest,” says Wiwchar.

For more information about the project and photos from the 2009 installations, including an image of a father sharing his first moments under solar LED light with his son, visit www.lutw.org/Costa/Rica.