“I feel safer now" | Night Light Aid Case Studies
Through Night Light Aid, we helped improve lighting & safety for 500 families in Bangladesh.
Background
Women & families in Cox's Bazar fear for their safety due to the rise of gender-based violence, especially at night. There is no lighting in the area, and WASH facilities are located 10 – 15 feet away from camps. Therefore, when using sanitation facilities at night, vulnerable groups are exposed to violent attacks, and the population is at risk of falling. As a result, sadly, many choose not to use facilities in fear of what may happen. This leaves them vulnerable to further health concerns.
Furhermore, children are unable to study after sunset due to the lack of lighting. Despite their challenges, some try to make it work by gathering around a dim candlelight, but it remains difficult. Education remains the only hope for a better future, but without the necessary equipment, children risk falling behind.
We installed 10 solar-powered streetlights and distributed 100 flashlights to families.
This will improve lighting during the night, leaving people feeling safer when using sanitation facilities and increased visibility leaving attackers deterred. Find out more about how Night Light Aid helped 6 families below.
Flashlight Distribution
Three Sisters
Background
Three sisters struggled every evening as darkness covered their surroundings. Without proper lighting, their education and safety were always at risk. Like many children in the camp, the sisters live in a small shelter with their parents. Their family fled violence in Myanmar and now depends on humanitarian support for survival. Education is their only hope for a better future.
The challenge
The three sisters attend a learning centre during the day. In the evenings, they used to gather
around a dim candlelight, trying to continue their studies despite the challenges. Without proper lighting, studying after sunset was nearly impossible. Their parents feared letting them go outside at night, even to use the toilets, due to safety concerns and complete darkness.
How did we support?
Through the Night Light Aid project, the sisters received solar flashlights, ensuring safe lighting at home. Now, the girls can continue their studies in the evening, helping them keep up in school. The flashlight also allows them to move safely outside at night when needed.
What the sisters said
"We are so happy with this light. Now we can study after Maghrib without fear, and our parents don’t worry when we need to go outside."
This small intervention of providing a flashlight has opened the doors of education and safety
for three young sisters, symbolising hope in the darkness of displacement.
Young Father
Background
For Jamal Uddin, a young father, life in the camp meant constant struggles to meet his family’s basic needs, especially at night when darkness brought risks and difficulties. Jamal Uddin lives with his wife and two children in a small temporary shelter. As the sole breadwinner, he often moves around the camp at night to collect relief or assist neighbours.
The challenge
Jamal Uddin is hardworking and determined to support his family, despite having no stable job. Nighttime movements were dangerous. Without light, he often stumbled on uneven paths, and his family feared letting him go out after dark.
How did we support?
Receiving a solar flashlight allowed Jamal Uddin to move around safely at night. Now he can navigate the camp confidently, fetch water, visit relatives, or take his children to the health post during emergencies.
What Jamal Uddin said
"This flashlight is more than light; it is my companion at night. I feel safe now when moving outside."
The flashlight has not only improved Jamal Uddin's safety but also restored his dignity and ability
to support his family during difficult times.
Elderly Father
Background
Mohammad Yunus, an elderly father, carries the heavy responsibility of caring for his children while coping with the challenges of life in a refugee camp. After fleeing persecution, he settled in the camp with his family. Limited resources and a lack of infrastructure make life a constant struggle.
Current situation
Mohammad Yunus is respected in his block as a father who prioritises his children’s education despite poverty. With no electricity, his children could not study after dark, and his wife struggled to cook in the evenings. Their life was confined to daylight hours.
The challenge
Without an income source, affording nutritious meals - especially meat - has been extremely difficult. Special occasions like Eid were emotionally painful as the family couldn’t observe traditional meals.
How did we support?
The family received a solar flashlight, bringing light into their shelter. Now, his children can study at night, and his wife can prepare meals without difficulty. The flashlight became a beacon of hope for their household.
What Mohammad Yunus said
"Before, our evenings ended in darkness. Now, my children study, and my wife cooks with ease. This light changed our home."
For Mohammad Yunus's family, one solar flashlight transformed darkness into opportunity, improving education, nutrition, and morale.
Widow
Background
For widows like Rashida, survival in the refugee camp is doubly challenging, as she must raise her children alone in harsh conditions. Having lost her husband years ago, Rashida shoulders the full responsibility of providing for and protecting her children.
The challenge
Rashida lives in a small, fragile shelter with her four children, depending on relief and neighbours’ kindness. Darkness at night made it difficult and unsafe to take her children to the toilets, located a distance from their shelter. Fear of harassment and accidents was constant.
How did we support?
She received a solar flashlight, easing her daily struggles. With the flashlight, she and her children now walk safely to the toilets at night. It also helps them during emergencies.
What Rashida said
"I feel safer now. I can take my children outside at night without fear. This light protects us."
For a vulnerable widow, the gift of light means safety, dignity, and comfort in a dark environment.
Solar-Powered Streetlights
Community Representative
Background
As darkness used to blanket one block in this camp, residents struggled with movement, safety and access to facilities. Today, solar-powered streetlights have changed everything. Abdul Majid, a community focal, represents dozens of families in their block. He advocates for their needs and wellbeing.
The challenge
Abdul Majid has lived in the camp for years and has seen firsthand the dangers of unlit pathways. Without lighting, residents faced frequent accidents and were vulnerable to theft and harassment during the night.
How did we support?
Through the project, solar-powered streetlights were installed in his block. Abdul Majid and his community can now move safely at night. The lights provide comfort, improve security, and reduce fear.
What Abdul Majid said
"These lights are a blessing for us. They make our movement at night safe and easy. We thank those who made this possible."
Streetlights have transformed Abdul Majid's block into a safer and more liveable community, bringing light where there was once only fear.
Scholar
Background
In one block, faith and gratitude shine alongside solar-powered streetlights, which have brought both practical benefits and spiritual comfort. Nurul Amin, an Islamic scholar, guides his community spiritually and socially.
The challenge
Nurul Amin leads prayers, teaches hadith, and counsels families in his block. The absence of lighting limited evening prayers, community gatherings, and safe movement at night.
How did we support?
Solar-powered streetlights were installed in his area, changing daily life for all residents. With lights installed, residents can now move freely at night. Community prayers and gatherings are easier, and a sense of safety prevails.
What Nurul Amin said
"Those who understood our hardships and gave us this light have eased our lives. May Allah bless them and send reward (sawab) to their ancestors in the qabr (grave)."
Beyond safety, the streetlights have created a spiritually uplifting environment, reflecting both humanitarian and religious values.
Help turn fear into safety
Alhamdulillah, we've supported 500 families, but thousands more need our help. You can help turn fear into safety. Donate to our Night Light Aid project and support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
“Light brings more than visibility; it brings comfort, dignity, and hope. With the Night Light Aid project, we aimed to create a safer community in Cox’s Bazar, where individuals, especially women and children, can move forward with confidence. Seeing this project shine, quite literally, is a reminder of why we remain committed to the work we do.” - Programmes Department
* Names have been changed to protect anonymity.