Brighter lives in underserved communities
Worldwide, close to 750 million people do not have reliable access to electrical lighting. This International Day of Light (May 16), we’re proud to celebrate the transformative power of light and highlight how the Signify Foundation, together with local partners, is bringing light to underserved communities.
“Access to light means more than visibility, it is a catalyst. It means families feel safer when walking home, children can study after dusk, health clinics can operate safely at night. Life doesn’t have to stop after sundown and we’re proud to unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world.” — Yue Cui, Signify Foundation Director.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and in the photos below, you’ll see why. Each image captures a real moment from communities where access to light has opened doors to new possibilities.
Our stories
Ghana, 2024
Children playing music under solar floodlights in an SOS Children’s Village — a joyful moment made possible by light. Signify Foundation supports SOS Children's Villages International, the world’s largest organization dedicated to helping children without, or at risk of losing, parental care to grow up with the support they need.
Indonesia, 2024
Eucalyptus oil distillers now work under solar floodlights at night—once limited to dim, smoky kerosene lamps that left them tired and unproductive. With better lighting, they can work longer hours, more safely, and increase their oil production to better support their families.
South Africa, 2023
In Alexandra Township, a solar streetlamp enables brighter living for the community. In partnership with Wakanda Food Accelerator, light has enabled affordable access to food, livelihood opportunities, and a place for people to safely connect after dark.
Democratic Republic of Congo, 2022
Providing school lighting in partnership with Fair Cobalt Alliance (FCA). As part of broader efforts to prevent child labor, the Signify Foundation is supporting the strengthening of educational facilities to provide at-risk children with access to safer learning environments, after-school programs, and holistic support.
Sudan, 2022
To support maternal health in conflict-affected areas, the Signify Foundation partnered with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to donate solar lanterns to midwives in Sudan. Previously, some births took place by open fire due to lack of light — exposing women to infection risks — while others relied on flashlights held in their mouths. Today, solar lanterns are helping ensure safer, more dignified deliveries in the most challenging conditions.
Indonesia, 2020
Together with Kopernik, the Signify Foundation launched Kampung Terang Hemat Energi — Bright Energy-Saving Villages — to bring sustainable light to underserved communities. Through the donation of 100 solar lighting sets to nine villages, public spaces like mosques, schools, health clinics, and meeting halls have been illuminated.
Nepal, 2019
The Signify Foundation is proud to train young women to become certified electrical and solar lighting technicians — a field traditionally dominated by men. By equipping women with technical skills and apprenticeships, the initiative has helped rebuild homes after the 2015 earthquakes while creating sustainable career paths and challenging gender stereotypes.
India, 2018
Together with Dharmalife , the Signify Foundation empowers women entrepreneurs to bring solar lamps and clean energy solutions to their villages. As part of the program, these women receive hands-on training to understand the products and build the skills needed to drive sustainable change in their communities.
Uganda, 2017
The first solar light library has been set up at a secondary school, allowing students to borrow solar-powered lamps to use at home. The solar-powered lights reduce dependence on kerosene, a fuel with higher fire risks and harmful indoor emissions.
Ghana, 2017
In a remote, off-grid home, a midwife guides a new mother through bathing her newborn — illuminated only by a solar lamp. In partnership with NewEnergy, the Signify Foundation supports safer maternal care in areas without access to electricity, where light plays a vital role in everyday childcare.
About us
Signify is the world leader in lighting for professionals and consumers. Our global portfolio of brands serves the diverse needs of customers with advanced products, connected systems and services, designed to enhance well-being and performance, to elevate experiences and advance sustainability.
Our global portfolio includes Signify, Philips Lighting, Hue, WiZ, Interact, ColorKinetics, Dynalite, Telensa, Signify myCreation, BrightSites, NatureConnect, and Trulifi.
Signify Foundation
The Signify Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization primarily funded by Signify NV. The Signify Foundation’s mission is to enable access to the benefits of sustainable lighting solutions for underserved communities.
Chief Partnership & Engagement Officer, Driving Sustainable Lighting Innovation Through Strategic Partnerships & Public Engagement
1wGreat job of Signify and Signify Foundation, as lighting is essentially electrified lighting, electricity becomes fundamental to almost everything. So should there be an International Day of Electricity? Or even one for Energy Storage?
At Zembe, we’re proud to offer Signify’s innovative lighting solutions—combining smart technology with energy efficiency to brighten homes, businesses, and cities. Available at our locations in Lisbon, Faro, Portimão, Sines, and Funchal, bringing sustainable light to our customers.
I help you define, market, and communicate your message effectively to your ideal customer. Brand Messaging Specialist | Strategic Marketing Consultant | B2B Copywriter for manufacturing, electrical, and safety companies
2wAs a former industrial electrician, I've always admired the way that Signify helped "light up" our world. I'm particularly intrigued by the innovation in solar-powered lighting. That's been a stumbling block in many parts of the off-grid world. I had to smile when I saw the photo of the solar light library. Love that concept! Keep up the great work, Signify. May your light shine bright... for all of us.
Courage in Zivil I weltfreundlich beleuchten
2wWould be nice to see some lighting education as well. About spectra and health, about the impact of high light temparatures on health and sleep. And about the impact of light on biodiversity. About light pollution. Maybe it's just the photos, but all this seems cold lighting with questionable distributions. Why not dooing good in a good and high quality way? If you do that anyway, please talk about it.
Director at Insync Consultants Pvt Ltd
2wLove this