Lighting Up Communities: Nexans and Litro de Luz Bring Solar Power to Mata Verde Bonita

In June, Nexans Brazil employees joined forces with the NGO Litro de Luz to install solar streetlights in the remote village of Mata Verde Bonita, located near Rio de Janeiro. This community outreach event marked another milestone in Nexans’ ongoing commitment to social impact and energy sustainability.

Lighting Up Mata Verde Bonita

Located approximately 150 km from Rio de Janeiro, Mata Verde Bonita is a small, forested village with limited infrastructure. With the arrival of new families and the expansion of the village, there was an urgent need for public lighting. This installation was particularly important for the local Tupi Guarani indigenous community, many of whom do not speak Portuguese. Natalia Scarabotto from Litro de Luz explained the goal: to create a “corridor of light” along the main road, improving visibility, safety, and accessibility.

At the request of local leader Cacica Jurema, the initiative aimed to provide high-quality, sustainable, and free solar lighting to empower the residents and improve their quality of life.

A day of collective action and volunteer spirit

This type of initiative requires planning, collaboration, and dedication. On June 28, teams of volunteers from Nexans and Litro de Luz worked side by side to assemble and install solar streetlights and lanterns. They handled every stage of the process—from digging the holes to the final installation of the poles.

Before the event, Nexans employees took part in a hands-on workshop to learn how to assemble the solar equipment. This ensured a smooth collaboration with community members on the ground.

Rodrigo Lacerda, a Nexans volunteer, shared:

“Our team focused on digging the holes for the solar posts. We also engaged with the community. Some were skeptical at first, but everyone was thrilled by the end of the day.”

Vitoria Lima contributed by checking and repairing previous installations:

“I was assigned to maintenance tasks from our 2019 project. I even replaced batteries and safely climbed up some of the solar poles!”

Building Long-Term Impact Through Local Empowerment

The mission of Litro de Luz aligns perfectly with the values of the Fondation Nexans: empower communities through clean and sustainable energy. For each project, the NGO works closely with residents, ensuring long-term autonomy even after the installations are complete.

In Mata Verde Bonita, this included translating instructions from Portuguese to Guarani and training four young locals—Juscelino, Nelson, Osvaldo, and Fabiano—through the NGO’s Ambassador Program. They now have the skills to maintain and even replicate the solar technology.

The benefits go beyond lighting. Families gain greater security, freedom of movement at night, and better access to education and economic opportunities.

Volunteer Voices: A Rewarding Experience

Natalia Scarabotto emphasized the importance of volunteer support:

“Nexans employees made up almost half of the total volunteers. Their commitment and enthusiasm were key to the project’s success.”

For Rodrigo, the day was one of many fulfilling volunteer experiences:

“I’ve volunteered with Litro de Luz before. Each experience is unique and meaningful. I’d do it again without hesitation.”

Vitoria, participating for the first time, shared:

“It was a unique opportunity to learn, immerse in another culture, and make a real impact. I’d absolutely volunteer again.”

Corporate Engagement for a Brighter Future

Initiatives like these reflect Nexans’ global commitment to sustainable development. The Fondation Nexans plays a vital role in supporting projects like Litro de Luz, which also brought solar power to Bongaba in 2023. There, the first class of solar installation trainees recently graduated, proving how knowledge-sharing and clean energy can transform lives.

“Thanks to the support of the Fondation Nexans and our dedicated volunteers, we continue to democratize access to reliable and sustainable energy across Brazil,” said Natalia.