Brighter living

Bringing light to rural and indigenous communities – Colombia 

 

October 16, 2025

 

Solar streetlights and clean energy solutions are empowering communities in La Guajira, Bolívar, and Hondible, creating safer, more vibrant spaces for learning, sports, and social connection after dark.
 

In several rural and indigenous communities across Colombia, daily life after sunset was once limited. Children and adults could not safely socialize outdoors, play sports, or study after dark. Families struggled to stay connected, relying on limited daylight or costly and polluting diesel generators. 

family standing outside underneath solar flood light
Through a partnership with Tierra Grata, 35 solar streetlamps were installed, and additional support enabled the deployment of clean energy systems across ten underserved communities. These lights now illuminate streets, sports fields, and communal spaces, giving people the freedom to gather, play, and continue learning long after sunset. 
children standing under solar flood light
Beyond visibility, the project focused on community empowerment. Residents were actively involved in understanding, maintaining, and taking ownership of the solar systems, fostering a sense of pride and agency. Families can now charge phones and communicate more effectively, while children have safe spaces to play and study. This hands-on approach strengthened social ties and built confidence in managing new technologies. By combining technology with community engagement, residents of La Guajira, Bolívar, and Hondible are creating safer, more connected, and resilient communities. 
women weaving baskets under outdoor solar lights

About the author:

Daniela Restrepo

Natalie Cru

 

Communication Lead at Signify Foundation

About Signify

 

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals and consumers and lighting for the Internet of Things. Our Philips products, Interact connected lighting systems and data-enabled services, deliver business value and transform life in homes, buildings and public spaces. With 2019 sales of EUR 6.2 billion, we have approximately 38,000 employees and are present in over 70 countries. We unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. We have been named Industry Leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for three years in a row. News from Signify is located at the Newsroom, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors can be found on the Investor Relations page.

Street Lighting-Smart-iot

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