One of the proposals selected for IEEE SIGHT funding in 2018 was submitted by the “Rama Estudiantil IEEE-PUCV” SIGHT group based out of the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso, Chile. The group, led by Felipe Aravena, Bastián Sepúlveda, and Sergio Hernández, and advised by Professor Ariel Leiva, will install sustainable solar lighting to illuminate “Park 36.” The space was only an empty plot of land, but has recently been converted by the surrounding neighborhoods into a children’s playground and community garden as an attempt to discourage local delinquency.  The only thing that was missing was the lighting.

 

When the group decided to undertake the park’s illumination, “the neighbors were very happy with the news.” Felipe Aravena also shared that they involved the local community by “explaining on the map where we would place the lights, in the walkways, the stairs, and by the children’s playground.”

After the team conducted their electrical and financial study, they began the first installation efforts on Saturday, 1 December.  They also had the opportunity to promote the mission of IEEE SIGHT through a featured story published on the Electrical Engineering School’s university website. (Note: article in Spanish).