TECHO and TECHO had their projects selected by the Nexans Foundation to bring sustainable lighting solutions to communities living without reliable access to electricity.
In the first project, carried out between 2023 and 2025, solar-powered lights and streetlights were installed in low-income neighborhoods in Lima and Cali, transforming dark nights into safer and more livable spaces for thousands of families.
Peru: Luz al Barrio Continues to Grow
In Lima and Callao, two of the country’s most challenging areas in terms of poverty and inequality, the Luz al Barrio project has established itself as a joint effort between TECHO and the Nexans Foundation. This initiative installs solar streetlights in key community spaces.
The most valuable aspect of this process is that every decision is made in collaboration with the communities. It is the residents themselves who, together with volunteers from TECHO Nexans, determine the installation sites that are most relevant to their daily lives. In addition, energy education workshops are held to promote the responsible use of this sustainable technology.
Between 2023 and 2025, the project's impact has been clear:
- 102 volunteers mobilized (from Nexans and TECHO)
- 840 people directly benefited
- 1,310 people indirectly benefited
This collaborative effort not only improves safety but also allows children and adults to study, work, or spend time together as a community, even after sunset. To learn more about this project in Peru, read here.
Colombia: Energy That Brings Communities Together
In Colombia, the “Energía que Une” initiative is making strong headway in cities such as Medellín, Cali, Bogotá, and Soacha. In May, volunteers from Centelsa by Nexans and the TECHO team traveled to the Camino del Minero neighborhood on the outskirts of Cali to install 20 solar streetlights.
This project not only improves safety in neighborhoods but also transforms the daily lives of those who live there. With the arrival of electricity, families can live in safer and more dignified environments. In addition, the experience of volunteers and residents working together creates opportunities for people to come together.
Installing streetlights is much more than just an infrastructure improvement: it is an opportunity for entire families to enjoy greater peace of mind and a better quality of life. It is also a step toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 7 by promoting access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.
This partnership shows that when we work together, it is possible to create sustainable solutions that make a difference.
We at TECHO would like to thank Nexans for continuing to support TECHO Latin America. Let’s continue building a continent where dignity and safety reach every corner.