Project: lighting the nation

17 July 2002 News

In response to President Mbeki's call for 2002 to be the 'Year of the Volunteer', Philips Lighting recently embarked on a nationwide school upgrade project while educating the community about conserving energy, and the benefits of energy saving lamps. On 7 June a group of sponsors, headed by Philips Lighting, got together to revamp the Dikubu Primary School in Naboomspruit, that was built in the '40s.

Philips Lighting replaced lamps, starters and switches and took care of any necessary re-wiring. In addition, it donated a TV, VCR, kettle and toaster to the school. Teachers, pupils, parents and others pitched in to help give the school an overhaul.

"We believe this school project helps to give South Africa's future leaders a feeling of self-worth and importance, and it reinforces the fact that volunteers can make a difference to the broader community," said Hein van Gorp, GM Philips Lighting South Africa. "We want to see South Africa become one of the largest contributors in the world to energy saving. To encourage more people to buy energy saving lamps, we are donating 60c from every lamp sold, to the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund."

For more information: Mario Biagi, Philips Lighting, 011 471 5000.

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