What is your relationship with the dark?

Litro's writing

Fear is a word closely related to the dark. If you're reading this text, this worry is probably in the past, perhaps from childhood. But try to recall the memories, you will surely remember a moment when darkness made you anxious. The sensation that usually arises in these times is helplessness, a feeling of dealing with the unknown without knowing what is nearby or not seeing paths, which tends to paralyze us.

The study Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report (2021), conducted by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena), the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the World Bank, and the World Health Organization (WHO), pointed out that currently, 759 million people still do not have access to electricity in the world.

Spending a few hours in the dark already displeases many people; imagine what it's like for those who live completely without lighting? Enzo was part of this number before he met Litro.

When night fell, the difficulties of life in Sidrolândia, Mato Grosso do Sul, grew stronger. Drawing and studying by candlelight was common and extremely dangerous, since Enzo lived in a wooden house — any accident could be fatal. Other activities, like having dinner, lying down, and waiting for sleep in the dark, not only brought up childhood worries — witches and monsters that might hide under the bed — but also real-life concerns: not being able to see an animal that could enter the house and put the whole family at risk, for example.

After the action in the community where Enzo lived, we remember the impact that access to lighting brings, not to mention how his life transformed. With the Litro de Luz lantern, life became safer, studying became more peaceful, and even drawing became more fun.

Litro’s actions illuminate many communities across Brazil, and still, there are millions of Enzos throughout the country who don’t know how to face the fear of the dark alone. Tonight, before you sleep, think for a few minutes about what your life would be like without lighting. What would be different? What would you not be able to do? Which fear would intensify? And then be sure that together, we can light many lights all over Brazil.