On 19th August 2014, My two new friends from Budapest, Hungary, Anna & Greg joined along for the 2nd batch solar lights distribution here in Panay Island. We met by chance at a hostel in Manila when I missed my flight, they were just starting their 3 weeks trip in Philippines. After a few hours of sharing, Anna decided to end their trip in Roxas City and come visit me.
“We started the trip with you.. we are ending it with you too.” – Anna. Her brother Greg is an internet celebrity, a top YouTuber (movie critic) in Hungary and for other shows. He wanted to get some footage of the reality on Typhoon survivors for his show back home. Greg will be publishing the footage and interviews soon on his channel and for another show soon. (links below). Amazing coincidences in my journey always seem to happen.
With all the donations collected we distributed 140 Nokero Solar Lights to this island village called Olotayan, Panay. Since we only had limited lights for 70 families, it was only donated to mothers with children and the elderly. Families and children here are still living in poverty, with no electricity. Most of them use generators for a few hours of light each night.
We managed to get all the lights donated within a few hours and it was a new experience for me to have others join me in my ‘world’ here. At times its a hard journey doing it alone, and it’s not easy letting others in. Then again showing them the other side of life here will help open up more hearts to those living in poverty.
Having them join me also reminded me that what I am doing is real, real in the sense that many others around the world are concern too. Anna was really connected with what and how things are here today, and seeing it in her perspective reminded me again on how they are recovering from the disaster. (and how I am recovering too)
I am thankful for all those who donated, so we could send this gifts to the children and families. You were always here along with us. I’m happy today as I now truly believe I have friends around the world who care about what I do. Thank you Anna & Greg for letting me see this, sharing this moment with me and I will miss you guys.
Special thanks to Steve Katsaros, the inventor of Nokero solar lights. Thank you for pouring 4 1/2 years of your life’s energy to create such an amazing gift of life. Without this I would not have found my journey.
Next stop.. Ati Tribe village in Dumarao with 100 solar lights.
Still needed 380 solar lights for the Miracle Island – Baliguian.
For more details on the ‘Give Them Light’ project go to –www.imkiran.com/
Help us put a smile on a child’s face, Donate.
You can follow Greg’s amazing and hilarious show at – HollywoodNewsAgency
You Tube – http://youtu.be/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/
Anna speaking to a local teacher on the island about the students and current situation there – Olotayan, Panay. — with Anna Linda Szirmai
Grey filming us getting ready to distribute. I island folks were pleased to see more visitors. — with Anna Linda Szirmai, Gergő Lovas
It takes times to explain the usage of the solar lights as its something they have never seen before. Gaycebel giving instructions on how to use the lights and the benefits.
A father explaining to me how he uses the solar lights. His wife used it when feeding the baby, and his daughter uses it during studying. In the background is the sleeping area of the whole family. (One of those who received the light in March 2014.)
Gaycebel sorting out the next round of lights while the kids looked on. Amazed and curious on what exactly this item does. Local village secretary helping us sort of the families names. Only mothers and elderly were given the lights as we did not have enough for all.
Children here are our priority. They need the lights for reading. Currently they use a torchlight or kerosene lamp. The villages gathering around to receive their lights. More started coming once the news spread about the solar lights.
Suddenly they were more families gathering to get the solar lights, but we only had left with a few. This was not a good feeling.
When I took this picture, the only thought in my mind was that she will be using this solar lights tonight when feeding her kids.
Second round completed and 140 solar lights donated to Olotayan, Panay -Philippines. We thank all the donors!! You made this possible
Heading back to our boat. It has been a long hot day but we all had a fulfilling time.
Mission completed. Off to the next village!
