Guiding lights project.

The Alternative Technology Association (ATA) and East Timorese partners have identified a need to provide a visual reference guide and informative poster for rural, East Timorese households where solar systems are installed under the Village Lighting Scheme (VLS).

These systems are installed and maintained by locally trained technicians, who are charged with giving the householders an explanation, upon installation, on how to use and care for their system. The householders are also given a basic information sheet in Tetun and an informative sticker that attaches to the front of the control box.

However, in spite of the different training formats that have been trialled to inform householders, there is still a gap. The ‘Guiding Lights’ project aims to develop culturally appropriate, picture-based material to complement the technician’s verbal instructions, and ensure all householders are being equally informed at the time of installation.