Circle of Light

Circle of Light was established in 2002 by John K. Coors with a vision of providing affordable energy to meet the needs for cooking and lighting to rural villages in Africa that would otherwise remain in darkness.

As part of this initiative, Circle of Light sets up energy stores owned and operated by these rural communities under the umbrella of a co-operative. The co-operative is run by a board represented by women, business leaders and other members of the villages.

Interstate became involved with Circle of Light in 2005 when representatives traveled to Kenya for a “launch,” and learned first-hand about the wonderful changes being made to these villages: children are able study at night and excel in school, small babies don’t risk falling into a fire, parents can see to care for their children, and village women no longer face dangers of walking for miles collecting wood.

Once a community is launched, at least 250 homeowners have subscribed and paid to become members of the co-operative, giving them a voice and instilling a sense of ownership in the program. Each family receives an Interstate battery, propane stove and electric lighting. Once the stove’s propane bottle becomes empty, the homeowner returns it to the energy store and pays for an exchange, and the batteries may also be recharged.

Circle of Light’s vision is to meet the basis energy needs of sub-Saharan Africa by 2022 and focuses on environmental, health and social issues. The availability of energy further enables the support of additional community-based services including medical clinics, water purification projects, vocational and pastoral training.