MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION, RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

REPORT ON THE 2015 INTERNATIONAL

YEAR OF LIGHT AND LIGHT-BASED
TECHNOLOGIES

Ebunjan Performing Arts Association

Kanifing Institutional Estate
30th May 2015

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Contents
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................ 3
OBJECTIVES / GOALS .................................................................................................................................... 3
MATCH PASS ................................................................................................................................................. 4
OPENING CEREMONY ................................................................................................................................... 6
SYMPOSIUM ................................................................................................................................................. 7
DRAMA ......................................................................................................................................................... 8
EXHIBITION ................................................................................................................................................... 9
APPENDIX ................................................................................................................................................... 11
Speech by the representative of the Permanent Secretary, MoHERST.................................................. 11
Speech by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy ..................................................................... 12
Speech by the representative of the Secretary General, The Gambia National Commission for
UNESCO................................................................................................................................................... 13
MINUTES OF THE CONSULTATIVE MEETING ON THE 2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF LIGHT & LIGHT
BASED TECHNOLOGIES ........................................................................................................................... 18
Final Drama Script Let there be Light .............................................................................................. 20
Written and Directed by Janet Badjan- Young ................................................................................................... 20

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 INTRODUCTION
The United Nations (UN) General Assembly 68th Session has during its 71st Plenary Meeting declared
2015 as the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL 2015). In proclaiming an
International Year focusing on the topic of light science and its applications, the United Nations has
recognized the importance of raising global awareness of how light-based technologies promote
sustainable development and provide solutions to global challenges in energy, education, agriculture and
health. Indeed, the resolution was adopted as part of a more general Agenda item on Science and
technology for development. This International Year will bring together many different stakeholders
including UNESCO, scientific societies and unions, educational and research institutions, technology
platforms, non-profit organizations and private sector partners to promote and celebrate the significance of
light and its applications during 2015.

In recognition of UNESCOs landmark declaration of 2015 as an International Year of Light and Light-based
Technologies, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology together with all
relevant stakeholders will join the rest of the world to celebrate the International Year of Light and Light-
based Technologies. The appreciation of light sciences and light-based technologies are indispensable to
the sustained socioeconomic growth and development and as well towards the achievement of national
development targets.

Thus, the recognition and appreciation of light sciences and light-based technologies among policymakers,
scientists, students across different educational levels and society as a whole is vital to the continuous
coexistence with nature and manmade technologies.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology observed the celebration of the
International Year of light and light-based technologies on the 30th April, 2015.

As part of activities for the celebrations, there will be a Match Pass from Jimpex Junction to the Ebunjan
Theatre Hall in Kanifing, an exhibition of light and light based technologies by Gambian industry and a
Symposium on the theme Harnessing Light for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development; a
drama performance by the Ebunjan Performing Arts Association on the theme Let there be Light.

OBJECTIVES / GOALS

The Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation through the Ministry of Higher Education,
Research, Science and Technology together with relevant partners and stakeholders will conduct series of
targeted activities that are expected to achieve the following objectives:

1. Explore the evolution of light science and light-based technologies and familiarize and
acknowledge the relevant historical episteme and contributions made by different scientists.

2. Increase the recognition and appreciation of light, light sciences and light-based technologies for
policymakers, scientists, students and the general public.

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 MATCH PASS

The Match pass was led by the Gambia Police Band to draw attention of the public and create awareness
on the importance of light and light-based technologies on the development of social and economic sectors.
The match pass started from the Jimpex Junction to the Ebunjan Theatre Hall in Kanifing led by The
Gambia Police Band and students from different secondary schools in the Greater Banjul Area.

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 OPENING CEREMONY
The Opening Ceremony was attended by Dr. Cherno Omar Barry- the Permanent Secretary, MoHERST,
Maimuna Sidibeh (Representative of SG, UNESCO/NATCOM), Representative from Ministry of Energy and
Chaired by Momodou Katim Touray DPS Programmes, MoHERST.

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 SYMPOSIUM

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PANELISTS:

Kebba C. Njie (GCAA)

Babou Joof (MoBSE)
Both panelists discussed on the theme: Harnessing Light for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development.
They discussed on the importance of light and how students could utilise light on their studies and research
programmes. Basic concepts on were discussed with the audience and it ended up in a question and
answer session.

DRAMA
The drama performance was done by the Ebunjang Theatre Group. It show cased on the origin of light and
its importance to the humans. They made special abstracts on prominent scientist who did great works in
the area of light.

The drama depicted the importance of light and how light has emerged to be very crucial in the worlds
development. See the Appendix Section for the transcript of the Drama.

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 EXHIBITION
Gambian innovators and entrepreneurs were also present at the celebrations to show case their products.

All products were on light and light based technologies. The Renewable Energy Association of The Gambia
(REAGAM) which constitute of companies in the Light Industry brought in their products for exhibition.
Engineering students from GTTI and UTG BCBD exhibited on the day. The Exhibition was jointly
coordinated by the Ministry of Energy and REAGAM.

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 APPENDIX

Speech by the representative of the Permanent Secretary, MoHERST

The Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Colleague Permanent Secretaries, the Secretary General
UNESCO/NATCOM, Senior Government officials, Invited Guests, Students, all other protocols duly and
respectively observed.

I am profoundly delighted and privileged to deliver a welcoming remarks at this auspicious occasion.

As we are all gathered here today to mark the celebrations of the 2015 International Year of Light and Light
Based Technologies, I welcome all of you.

This International Year is aimed at bringing together many different stakeholders including UNESCO,
scientific societies and unions, educational and research institutions, technology platforms, non-profit
organizations and private sector partners to promote and celebrate the significance of light and its
applications during 2015.

It is critical that the brightest young minds continue to be attracted to optics and photonics in order to
ensure the next generation of engineers and innovators in this field.

Light plays a vital role in our daily lives and is an imperative cross-cutting discipline of science in the 21st
century.

It has revolutionized medicine, opened up international communication via the Internet, and continues to be
central to linking cultural, economic and political aspects of the global society.

For centuries light has transcended all boundaries, including geographic, gender, age and culture, and is a
tremendous subject to motivate education.

We at the level of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology supports the
initiative which is geared towards raising awareness and advocacy for light and light based technologies.

The theme of the celebrations is Harnessing Light for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development
LET THERE BE LIGHT.

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As part of this celebrations, a match pass, exhibition, symposium and a drama all geared towards
promoting the importance of light in socio-economic development is lined-up.

At the level of the Ministry we recognize the support of all stakeholders who made this day a success.

Finally, I must express my heart-felt appreciation and gratitude to all those who have in one way or the
other made this celebrations a great success. On that note Distinguished audience, I thank you once more
for coming.

I THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION

Speech by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy

I have the honor to present a statement on the importance attached to this date; being the day of
International Year of Light and light based technologies in The Gambia. This gathering, which is made
possible through the support received from UNESCO/NATCOM in a joint project entitled: Building capacity
and reinforcing mutual engagement of science with society through training of technicians on Solar PV
systems; awareness campaign for the World Science Day for Peace and Sustainable Development; and
the Celebration of International Year of Light and Light-based technologies in The Gambia.

The Ministry of Energy (MOE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science
and Technology (MOHERST) and The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MOBSE) jointly
implement this project proposal funded by UNESCO under its participation programme 2014/2015.

The Ministry of Energys project component was to build capacity on training of technicians on Solar PV
design, installation and maintenance. The Ministry of Energy has accomplished the implementation of its
component activity where 20 technicians were trained and certificated. The Ministry of Basic and
Secondary Education (MoBSE) has also completed the implementation of its component activity; and today
MoHERSTs component being implemented, thus marking the end of the joint project.

Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, light, as we are all aware, is playing a crucial role and will ever
continue to play a central role in the modern world development. The government of the Gambia being fully
cognizant of the importance of light is tremendously redoubling its efforts in building capacities and raising
awareness about how light-based technologies promote sustainable development and provide solutions to
challenges in energy, education, agriculture and health, etc. Light plays a vital role in our daily lives and is

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an imperative cross-cutting discipline of science and technology in the modern millennium. It has
revolutionized energy either for lighting or heating, medicine, opened up international communication via
the internet and continues to be central to linking cultural economic and political aspects of the global
society.

Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, when we think about light and energy, there are two approaches that
come to mind: One is here now with us and has much immediate potential, and the other is around the
corner awaiting further development. The energy around the corner, we refer to the use of powerful lasers
to create fusion under controlled conditions; and the energy here now with us which has much immediate
potential is of course Solar energy. This energy from the sun that reaches the Earth can be convertible and
in modern day technology is converted into heat and electricity which is affordable, sustainable and viable
source of energy. Furthermore, it will provide a practically inexhaustible resource that will enhance
sustainability, reduce pollution and lower the cost of mitigating climate change.

In the field of photonics and light-based technologies, light has continued to solve key societal challenges
such as energy generation and efficiency, healthy ageing of the people, climate change and security. The
present and future development of societies in both developed and emerging economies worldwide are
intimately tied up with the ability to effectively light our cities, homes, schools and recreation centres as well
as connecting the world and making it a global village with the help of the social media, telephone calls,
video conferencing etc. We all bear witness that the internet connectivity is made possible today because
of light. Therefore, the importance of light cannot be over emphasized due to its immense benefits that are
in exhaustive. We hope the youngsters will take up the challenge to learn / study science to become more
innovative and face the realities of present day science and technology. On this note, I thank
UNESCO/NATCOM in particular who has tirelessly been very supportive and cooperative throughout the
implementation of the project. Once more, I thank you all for your audience.

Speech by the representative of the Secretary General, The

Gambia National Commission for UNESCO

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Allow me Mr. Chairman first of all to tender the sincere apologies of my Secretary General Mr. Momodou
Sanneh who would love to have been here but for the exigencies of matters of great importance. His
thoughts, however, are with us.

HONOURABLE PERMANENT SECRETARY, MOHERST

HONOURABLE PERMANENT SECRETARY, MOE

DIRECTOR, STI

OUR SEASONED RESOURCE PERSONS

PRESS AND MEDIA FRATERNITY

INVITED GUESTS, LADIES & GENTLEMEN

ALL PROTOCOLS DULY AND RESPECTFULLY OBSERVERED

It is with great pleasure to stand before you today to deliver this statement on launching the International
Year of Light and Light based Technologies.

Mr. Chairman I am glad to share with you the historic background concerning todays celebration. The
International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL2015) has been the initiative of a consortium
of scientific bodies together with UNESCOs International Basic Sciences Programme. The Consortium
brought together many different stakeholders including scientific societies and unions, educational
institutions, technology platforms, non-profit organizations and partners from the private sector. The main
objective of the Year, which is led by UNESCO, is to raise global awareness of how light-based
technologies can provide solutions to the global challenges of sustainable development

On 20 December 2013, The United Nations (UN) General Assembly 68th Session proclaimed 2015 as the
International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL 2015). This is a global initiative which will
highlight to the citizens of the world the importance of light and optical technologies in their lives, for their
futures, and for the development of society. It is a unique opportunity to inspire, educate, and connect on a
global scale.

In proclaiming an International Year focusing on the topic of light science and its applications, the United
Nations has recognized the importance of raising global awareness about how light-based technologies
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promote sustainable development and provide solutions to global challenges in energy, education,
agriculture and health. Light plays a vital role in our daily lives and is an imperative cross-cutting discipline
of science in the 21st century. It has revolutionized medicine, opened up international communication via
the Internet, and continues to be central to linking cultural, economic and political aspects of the global
society.

Mr. Chairman, with UNESCO as lead agency, IYL 2015 programs will promote improved public and political
understanding of the central role of light in the modern world while also celebrating noteworthy
anniversaries in 2015from the first studies of optics 1,000 years ago to discoveries in optical
communications that power the Internet today.

Now on the theme Light For sustainable Development, all over the globe, people are using light to
discover solutions for societys most pressing problems. From 3-D printing to bringing energy solutions to
developing regions, light is key in driving economies and encouraging the development of civilization. For
over 1.5 billion people around the world, night-time means either darkness or the dim glow of an unhealthy
kerosene lamp or candle. Such poor-quality lighting has dramatic impact and health and educational
opportunities, and an important aim of the International Year of Light will be to promote the use of portable
solar-powered high-brightness LED lanterns in regions where there is little or no reliable source of light.

Economically Mr. Chairman, businesses in the field of photonics and light-based technologies work on
solving key societal challenges, such as energy generation and energy efficiency, healthy ageing of the
population, climate change, and security. Photonic technologies have major impact on the world economy
with a current global market of 300 billion and projected market value of over 600 billion in 2020.

In terms of our environment Mr. Chairman, when we think of light and energy there are two approaches that
come to mind: one is here now and has much immediate potential, and the other is "around the corner,"
awaiting further development. For this latter source of energy we refer to the use of powerful lasers to
create fusion under controlled conditions. The former is of course solar energy. In fact, the energy from the
sun that reaches the Earth can be converted into heat and electricity, and governments and scientists
worldwide are working to develop affordable and clean solar energy technologies.

Mr. Chairman lets look at social media, low cost telephone calls, video conferencing with family and friends
these are three examples of how the internet allows people around the world to feel connected in a way
that has never before been possible in history. And all of this technology is because of light! It is important

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to understand how ultrashort light data pulses propagates tiny optical fibers the width of a human hair that
have created the modern communications infrastructure and the internet that we all use every day.

Closer to home, cognizant of The Gambias potential in renewable energy resources and the contribution it
can make in providing adequate, reliable and affordable supply of energy, the government, has not relented
in the promotion of its use. The government has established a centre purposely for promoting renewable
energy, it conducted a feasibility study on renewable energy resources, provided incentives (zero import
taxes) for selected renewable energy equipment, developed conducive renewable energy policies and
recently developed and approved renewable energy law. Conscious of the capacity gap and its effect on
the promotion of solar technologies, the government has made it as part of the Renewable Energy Law for
the solar PV technicians to go through formal training and certification as a condition for installation. That is
why, as part of this project, the National Commission for UNESCO through its Participation programme
recently supported the training of twenty five Solar PV Technicians and was co-ordinated by the Ministry of
Energy in collaboration with REARGAM and GTTI. Solar PV is the most commonly used renewable energy
equipment/ technology in The Gambia. It is mainly used in telecommunication, health facilities, community
centres, lighting and water pumping facilities.

Furthermore, Mr. Chairman, practical applications that are available today can make the most difference in
remote areas and developing countries, where millions live with no access to electricity. Something as
simple as a source of light after dark can help a family out of poverty: children can study longer and learn
more, parents can also remain active after dark. Sub-Saharan Africa, were 65% of the population is off the
grid, also has the greatest exposure to sunlight in the world. Solar lighting (lamps that recharge during the
day with solar energy) has proved to be a good alternative to kerosene lamps. Not only is kerosene more
expensive in the long run and less efficient, as such lamps are too dim to read by, but it is also hazardous
and the fumes are toxic. On a slightly larger scale, solar panels are providing power for community
refrigerators to preserve medicine, for cellphones and other appliances, thus improving living conditions in
villages.

On this note Mr. Chairman, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners such as the Ministry of
Higher Education, Research Science and Technology, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and
Ministry of Energy for their relentless effort in seeing through the successful implementation of the project.

Mr. Chairman, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen I now have the honour to declare the Launching
of the International Year of Light and light based technologies open in The Gambia.

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MINUTES OF THE CONSULTATIVE MEETING ON THE 2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF LIGHT
& LIGHT BASED TECHNOLOGIES

DATE: 08TH APRIL, 2015.

VENUE: MoHERST CONFERENCE HALL
ATTENDANCE
1. Momodou Katim Touray MoHERST
2. Babou Joof, MoBSE
3. Maimuna Sidibeh, UNESCO/NATCOM
4. Mucktarr MY Darboe, MoHERST (Chairperson)
5. Samba Sowe, MoHERST (Minutes)
6. Papa Sanneh, MoHERST
7. Saidou Badjie, MoE
The Meeting started with prayers.
Opening Remarks:
In his opening remarks, the Director of STI welcomed the participants to the meeting. He said that the
meeting was to set stage arrangements on the preparations for the line activities for the 2015 international
year of light & light based technologies scheduled to take place on the 30 th of April, 2015 at the Ebunjang
Theatre Hall in Kanifing.
Groups Terms of Reference:
1. Review of the Programme;
2. Allocation of tasks and responsibilities;
3. Fixing of timelines; and
4. Reporting.
Meeting:
The Director of STI, reported that the proposed activities for the celebrations include:
1. Match Pass (Police Band, Students and Exhibitors);
2. Exhibition; and
3. Evening Drama and Symposium
The Group unanimously agreed that the Match Pass will start from Jimpex Junction to the Ebunjang
Theatre Hall.
It was also agreed that ten selected Senior Secondary Schools will send in each two students, 20 students
from the Tertiary and Higher Education Institutions (THEIs), and 20 invitees from the Industry. From the
Industry it was proposed that the 5 GSM/Telecommunication Companies, NAWEC, GREC, GAM Solar and
MoE to be the invitees.

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The symposium will have three panelists: It was proposed that Kebba C. Njie (GCAA), Babou Joof
(MoBSE) and one female (to be selected) to constitute the panelists.
After a thorough discussion on the modalities of the preparation process, the group came up with the
following action points:
Action Points:
1. Mr. Papa Sanneh will handle all preparations for the media coverage (Print and Electronic) and he
should also write to the Inspector General of Police seeking for permit to hold the Match Pass;
2. Three members from MoE, MoBSE and MoHERST to go get first-hand information from the
schools, THEIs on the available products for exhibition for the day so as to avoid duplication. This
is proposed for the 15th of April starting 10:00am;
3. Saidou Badjie, MoE to coordinate the invitation of Exhibitors from the Industry in due consultation
with his Permanent Secretary;
4. DPS Programmes MoHERST was tasked to identify the third female panellists and suggest to the
group for approval;
5. Director STI, MoHERST should finalise on the theme of the symposium and prepare banners
accordingly and he should arrange for a private photos/video coverage of the day for the archives
of UNESCO and the partners;
6. Senior STI Officer MoHERST to write to GSM Companies soliciting for partnership and support in
the procurement of T-Shirts for the celebrations in return for marketing and future collaborations.
Q-Cell have already been engaged and a formal request to be sent soonest; and
7. It was unanimously agreed that the budget need to be reviewed to cater for the new amendments
made during the meeting.

Closing Remarks:
He thanked everyone for coming and participating immensely and to UNESCO/NATCOM for funding the
programme.
Report Prepared by:
Samba Sowe
Sen STI Officer
MoHERST

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 Final Drama Script Let there be Light

The International Year of Light and Light Based

Technologies 2015
United Nations Objectives: To promote and celebrate the significance of light and its applications
NATCOM Objectives: Global awareness of how light based technologies promote sustainable
development and provide solutions to global challenges in energy, education, agriculture and health.
Title of Ebunjans presentation
Let there be light
(Wollof translation) Mu Ler, waw waw mu ler!

Written and Directed by Janet Badjan- Young

The theatrical presentation will consider the following:
1. The Sun, the natural light of the world; the largest star of the Universe; its profound contribution to the
growth of human beings, plants and animals.
2. The Sun as a source of inspiration to scientists around the world. They imitated the properties of the Sun
and created light- based technologies. These technologies over the years improved the quality of life
around the globe.
3. The Sun as a significant source of renewable energy for The Gambia.
Production
The backdrop for the scenes, except for the first scene, will be a stunning sunset. In the first scene,
the backdrop will be covered with a black curtain. There will be seven narrators representing the
seven colours of the rainbow, one of the many wonders of the Sun.
Large strips of satin materials, the colours of the rainbow, will be hung in the shape of a rainbow on
the two pillars centre stage.

CAST
Narrator Red: Gabriel Joof
Narrator Orange: Sheriff Manneh
Narrator Yellow: Danny Z Nzima
Narrator Green: Tida Njie
Narrator Blue: Mariama Colley
Narrator Indigo: Tejan Smith
Narrator Violet: Hannah Davies

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CREATOR: (voice) Sammy Davies

Seven dancers represent gas and mud.

Seven dancers, the colour of the rainbow
Seven Males & Females (early man & women)
Doe, Sierra Leonean boy: Assan Jobe
Girl receiving a telephone call: Mariama Colley
Art dealer receiving a telephone call: Milton Kamanga
Family: man, woman and child using Solar Energy

SCENE 1
The curtains open to reveal a dark stage representing the VOID before the Sun came into existence.
After a few seconds of silence, seven or more dancers dressed in black leotards enter as clouds of
gas. They take their positions and wait for the music to begin.
CREATOR: (Voice deep and majestic) Fourteen billion years ago there was darkness, a deep void.
Fourteen billion years ago there was nothing but darkness; nothing but a vast empty space- deep and dark.
Endless foreboding darkness. An eerie silence. Not a sound of life. No sound of human breath. No sound of
the wind passing through the branches of trees. No animal cry. No sound of birds flapping their wings and
twittering as they searched for food. Fourteen billion years ago there was Nothing!
Music
In our world today darkness has new meanings. The images associated with the word darkness are varied
and different; they represent the human experience in a world they now control. Humans describe the state
of darkness as

(Recorded voices: The words should be delivered with adequate feeling and the right tone of
voice. Appropriate sound effects could help some words)

VOICE 1: An abyss (echo)

VOICE 2: A deep hole. A well (echo and sound of a bucket hitting water)
VOICE 3: A fathomless pit
VOICE 4: Confusion
VOICE 5: Sickness
VOICE 6: Illiteracy
VOICE 7: Starvation
Voice 1: Fear
Voice 2: Anger

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Voice 3: Greed
Voice 4: Exploitation
Voice 5: Poverty
VOICE 6: Emptiness
Voice 7: And death, Darkness
CREATOR (voice) This unimaginable space was dark and cold. Nothing grew; there was no light. A huge
cloud of dust and gas ballooned in this emptiness. Slowly the cloud of dust and the gas clung together
twirling round and round to form a huge round mass. To form what we now know as the Sun.
(Music, strange, ghostlike, gurgling sounds. The dancers move in groups simulating the movement
of clouds of dust and gas. They form a huge ball and freeze.
CREATOR: Let there be light! (Echo to suggest the voice is bouncing back and forth in space)
The dancers exit. The black curtains are pulled back to reveal a sunset. Music. A spotlight fades
in slowly on stage as the music is heard softly to begin with, implying that the Sun is rising. The
volume increases slowly till it reaches a crescendo.
Seven dancers dressed in the seven colours of the rainbow enter and perform a dance of praise
and worship.
At the end of the dance -BLACKOUT.

SCENE TWO
( Music : shot of a rainbow on a screen)
CREATOR: (VOICE) One of the most wonderful and awe-inspiring sights is the formation of a rainbow! .
An arch of brilliant colours is visible in the sky. This spectacular arch is seen when the sunlight bends as it
passes through raindrops.

According to the Christian religion, the rainbow signifies a covenant; an agreement between human beings
and his Creator. A promise He made to all people and all living things on earth, that he will never again
destroy them. The rainbow, whenever it appears, is a reminder of that promise.

Many people in those days thought that the colour of Light is white; it was one of the greatest British
scientists of all time, Sir Isaac Newton, who deduced that white light is made up of seven colours. ( he
calls out the colours and each take their position).
RED, ORANGE, YELLOW, GREEN, BLUE, INDIGO and VIOLETthe colours of the rainbow.

The seven colours of the rainbow take their positions on stage. RED and ORANGE down stage
right. YELLOW GREEN, BLUE upstairs on balcony. INDIGO and VIOLET down stage left.

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CREATOR: (Music) This presentation is a story about how our understanding and use of light is constantly
changing and how these changes affect our lives. We will point out inventions by great scientists who
embarked on practical methods to bring light to a dark world.

The story of Light will be told by the vibrant colours of this remarkable Star, the SUN. They will, through
fascinating narrative, drama and music, explain the history of Light and its role in this Twenty-First
century.(MUSIC ENDS)

NARRATOR RED: RED moves from position and takes centre stage, spotlight.
Several religions throughout the world recognize the Sun as the most important Star in our galaxy.
According to the Christian faith, God saw the void and darkness, and in His infinite wisdom created the
Sun, created light. The rays of the Sun embrace the earth; providing Light, warmth and, most importantly,
life to plants and all living creatures on earth and in the sea.
He separated the Light from the darkness. He called the Light Day and the darkness he called Night.

The Muslim religions sacred act of praying five times a day recognizes the importance of the Sun.
Followers of the faith pray before sunrise, throughout the day and their last communication with ALLAH
takes place when the Sun has departed.
ALL COLOURS: LET THERE BE LIGHT!
NARRATOR ORANGE: Our Sun, which emits energy rays, is 150 million kilometres from the earth. Its a
star much larger than the earth; in fact it is 33 thousand times bigger.
NARRATOR YELLOW: Without light from the Sun nothing grows, humans, animals and plants need that
warmth from the rays of the Sun to grow and multiply. Have you seen how trees in a forest, deprived of
sunlight, literally fight each other to reach to the Sun?
Music Lights fade; Yellow blue and Indigo remain,other colours exit.There is a green aura on
stage. Seven dancers dressed in green leotards, rush in dancing as trees. They seem short and
stunted. There is a spotlight from an angle on the balcony which represents the Sun; the trees
reach out, fighting each other to reach the Sun after the dance
Blackout. Dancers exit.
NARRATOR YELLOW: This sunlight causes a chemical reaction on the leaves of plants, which provides
food for the plants. The plants grow and are a source of food for humans and animals. Scientists call this
process photosynthesis.
NARRATOR BLUE: Soon after the Sun became the most important star, humans - men and women -
found themselves on planet Earth. It would have been impossible for humans to live on the Sun. The heat
of the Sun would have been intolerable, like an extremely hot furnace.
The planet earth was more welcoming. The living conditions for humans were harsh. No nice concrete
houses, no running water from taps. Naked, they covered themselves with leaves to protect themselves
from the rays of the hot Sun. They climbed up trees to avoid being eaten by hungry, wild animals at night.
They ate raw animal meat, plants and fruits and drank water from the rivers.

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NARRATOR INDIGO: No one quite knows how man discovered the next source of Light- FIRE! Perhaps
humans got the idea from flashes of lightning which often set whole trees on fire! The penetrating rays of
the Sun were sometimes so hot, reaching temperatures so high, that sparks of fire would appear on rocks
and paths. Raging, uncontrollable fire destroying everything in its path was a familiar and frightening sight.
They also, perhaps by accident, discovered that rubbing two stones together, not gently, but fast and
furious, created sparks. The sparks could light a dry branch and flames would appear. Fire later became
humans friend. They could control it; they could use it to cook raw meat.
You can imagine the first time human beings tasted barbecued meat, the aroma, the taste. and whats
more they had natural sharp molars to chew this new delicacy.
(Music: a man runs on stage half clothed brandishes a wooden torch: he makes animal noises, calls
others to sit around the fire. They engage in a conversation and eat the barbecued chunks of meat.
Actors should move according to the narration of Violet, e.g sitting round a fire, using a lit torch,
looking at the moon etc.
NARRATOR VIOLET: Fire was maintained with dried grass and twigs. Because humans could cook their
food, there was a change in their diet. They also found out, Im sure to their delight, that fire could protect
them from wild animals at night- no need to climb trees. They could sit around the fire, look at the moon
which had no light of its own but reflected the light of the SUN. They could move at night with a lighted
branch. And so, the first torch was discovered. Dont underestimate the intelligence of early humans; they
were certainly not stupid, waiting for someone from another planet to tell them what to do.
NARRATOR YELLOW: What exciting times for early humans! They made the first lamp.they used dead
oily birds put something like a wick through it and lighted it. They did the same thing with fatty chunks of
meat. As their brains developed, they moved out of the forest and began to make houses. A different
source of light had to be used in the houses. Oil lamps were made and used only by the wealthy because
oil was expensive. Fortunately, kerosene fluid was introduced as an affordable option for lamps. Lamps
with wicks using kerosene fluid are still being used in poor countries to this day.
NARRATOR BLUE: For centuries since the beginning of the world, humans have acknowledged the simple
truthThey need light to live and to develop. Their existence is synonymous with LIGHT. One is always
awed by the miraculous movement of the Sun and the speed of its light beams. This Star dominates the
world. The precision and regularity it displays as it rises in the East and sets in the West. The unforgettable,
brilliant and exotic colours are displayed on the horizon as it sets in the West. The movement of its rays
when there is moisture in the atmosphere creating a rainbow across the sky is amazing. To modern human
beings, the Sun has always been a mystery; one which holds the secret to a wonderful life on earth.

NARRATOR GREEN: It was Benjamin Franklin, a founding father of the Unites States of America, a
famous scientist, who in 1816, revealed to other scientists that lightning is a form of electricity which has
positive and negative elements. It is said that, clever as he was, he performed a daring experiment to prove
his theory.

NARRATOR RED. He tied a key (made of metal) to a kite and flew it during a thunderstorm; the electricity
from the lightning flowed down the string and gave him quite a shock. Have you ever heard the saying
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Scientists are mad!! Come to think of it so are geniuses! But one thing is certain: without their vision
which led to their discoveries, all of us would still be in the Dark Ages.
Benjamin Franklin was a man of many parts. He was a scientist, a politian, a writer, a genius who was
respected all over the world. He is often remembered for his very clever remarks:

VOICE: God helps those who help themselves.

VOICE: It is the working man who is the happy man. It is the idle man who is the
miserable man.

VOICE: Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise!

NARRATOR YELLOW: Benjamin Franklins contribution to our understanding of electricity paved the way
for light technology to change our world.

Years later, another American, Thomas Edison invented the first light bulb. He placed a metal filament
inside a glass bulb and passed an electric current through it. The electric current heated the filament and
caused it to glow brightly. This provided light for as long as the current flowed. Thomas Edison worked
extremely hard and took some years to perfect his invention. It is said he coined this phrase:

VOICE: Genius is 1 percent Inspiration and 99 percent perspiration

ALL COLOURS: LET THERE BE MORE LIGHT IN THE WORLD

Blackout. Colours exit Music
SCENE THREE
ORANGE stands on top of rostrum centre. Spotlight on Orange

NARRATOR ORANGE: And there was electric Light! People in rich countries could enjoy electric Light all
day and all night if they so desired; electricity was used for air-conditioners; the houses could be cooled in
summer. The electric heaters provided warmth and comfort in winter. Refrigerators were invented; food
could be kept for months in freezers.

Electricity is an expensive source of power which provides light. Poor countries could only use it sparingly.
It was only available in cities of developing countries. Lighting by electricity opened a new and exciting
world of pleasure. Lights could be used at nightclubs, thus transforming a dimly light hall into a space of
fantasy for the young and young at heart.
Blackout, Orange exits.

(Nightclub music, seven young people do a nightclub dance with strobe lighting. Blackout dancers
exit
NARRATOR BLUE and INDIGO enter after the disco dance. Spotlight on BLUE

NARRATOR BLUE: In the villages, people had no access to light, after the sun had slowly departed from
their part of the world.

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Kerosene lamps and candles were dangerous options. The fumes from the kerosene lamps inhaled by
young children could cause cancer. The naked candlelight was a potential risk for raging and destructive
fires. People could not listen to the radio or watch television; they had no form of entertainment.

NARRATOR INDIGO: Quite recently, this is not two billion years ago, about two years ago, a thirteen-year-
old boy in a village in Sierra Leone was living without light at night.

(Light fades, Narrator BLUE and INDIGO exit. Spotlight on Kelvin. He is sitting on a chair in front of
an old table. On the table is an old radio set. Sierra Leone music is heard. He speaks in Krio to the
audience.)

KELVIN: Good morning everyone, na me DJ Focus! Adey play fine fine music for una all dis morning!
Sweet sweet music, so as ona they wok na oona farm the wok nor go heavy.
We tell God tenke, tenke, plenty tenke fo wetin he do for we. Wey e gee me the knowledge for make dis
radio station na me os.

Some people ask me ow are manage make am; In fact the one wey ask dey na me os now. So ah go lef
oona with music now. Ah go cam back to oona soon.

(He leaves his chair and speaks to the audience. Soft music is heard in the background.)

First of all, life na village difficult. Na day time, not so bad, because the sun gives us natural light.
But night na different story oh! Thieves plentiful. Bible say Men love darkness rather than light
because their deeds are evil.
Not all men, thanks be to God. Mosquitoes also love darkness! They love your ears!

They fall in love with your ears. Study at night? (whistles) Difficultvery, very hard. But if you want to do
well at school, you must make an effort to study.

We use the light from candles. Kerosene lamps are another option. There is always plenty of smoke from
the lamps. The smell of kerosene fumes is disgusting, we clos smell, every part of the os smell, kerosene
perfumes. But what can we do when there is nothing else that will give us light?

Apart from the homework, we have to help our mother with some of the cooking and cleaning, everybody
wok for hep out.
Darkness na hell. My mother fell down many times because e nor see ousi e dey go. So one day I get the
idea to make batteries so I could make electricity.

I know you all know playing with electricity is dangerous; you can get an electric shock from the live wire
and, hey presto, you be a dead man!
But I learnt about positive and negative wires in school!

How did I start? I searched for materials!

Yeh man, no materials at home, no man.
Ah go where everybody throws the things they dont want, yeh.

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Lucky me, I found just what I needed. Made my batteries; you should have seen my mother, father, my
sister and, my brothers faces when they saw the bulb light up! (he laughs)
They thought Papa God himself had come down from heavenbut it was only me.
And now I can broadcast. I made my own FM station. Thank you for coming. See you soon.
(He goes back to his chair)
I am back oh! Hope una enjoy the music!! The good news today for all those listening to me is that the
clinic will be open, so anyone who is sick go and see the doctor. He will be there from 8am to 6pm.
Let us continue with this great music from our man Emerson.
Blackout, Doe exits, furniture and props removed, NARRATOR YELLOW,VIOLET,RED enter
Spotlight on YELLOW
NARRATOR YELLOW: DJ Focus alias Kelvin Doe has extraordinary talent; the driving force for this
initiative is to help his family live a better life. And access to Light is a step in the right direction.

Kelvin Doe was invited to visit and discuss his ideas with students and professors at one of the leading
research universities in the United States: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology - MIT. This visit was
made possible by a young Sierra Leonean scientist at the Institution. He believes that encouraging young
Africans like Kelvin Doe to embrace the world of science and technology will move Africas development
faster.

All COLOURS: LET THERE BE LIGHT!

MUSIC
NARRATOR VIOLET: AND there was light! Today we want to pay tribute to the men and women who gave
us the extraordinary gift of light.
We begin with the German scientist, Albert Einstein, who proved to the world that nothing was FASTER
than the speed of light. He is famous for his theory of relativity. In explaining the concept of relativity he
said :

VOICE: When you are courting a nice girl an hour seems like a second.
When you sit on a red hot cinder, a second seems like an hour
Thats relativity!

NARRATOR YELLOW: We recognize Charles Townes, the American physicist, who invented the laser
beam. A straight, penetrating light used during surgery and in devices that can see inside the human body
without cutting it wide open. Laser light, since its invention, is used in huge lighting displays, spectacular
and awe inspiring all over the world. Charles Townes died recently, early this year; it is our good fortune
that he left the world better equipped with light technology to deal with health, security, communication and
other aspects of modern development.

NARRATOR RED: A new discovery to connect the world, to make the world seem like a small village are
mobile phones. Mobile phones are the keys which will open the doors to economic development all over
the world.
Mobile phones, unlike the old home telephones, which had to be connected to an electrical wire, give us
freedom and ease to communicate with one another anywhere in the world.
The light based technology making all this possible is a magical, flexible material called Optical fibre
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Optical fibre is a thin flexible rod of high quality glass-like material which transmits with lighting
Speed an incredible amount of information. Optical fibre is used by many telecommunication companies, to
transport telephone signals, internet communication and cable television signals around the world.
BLACKOUT: COLOURS stand on rostrum in silhouette. Spotlight on young girl walking along a road
(Sound effects of mobile phone; young girl takes the phone out of her tight jeans pocket)

GIRL: Hallo! Hallo..who is this?

(She screams with delight) Makalo! where are you? (pause}
Libya? Did you say Libya?
I dont know where that is? (pause)
What took you so long? (pause)
What? The man did not know the way (pause)
And got lost? (pause)
You spent three days in the rough sea! (pause)
Some people died. (pause)
You were saved by a ship! (pause)
Oh my God. (She screams)
When will you get to Germany?
You dont know?
What? You have no money?
I dont know what to say or do?
Goodbye!
(She puts the phone back into her pocket)
Sound effects of another phone. A man on the balcony picks up a phone and moves around as he
speaks:
NJUGO: Good morning! Tahai Art, can I help you (pause)
Yes, this is The Gambia, smiling coast of Africa (laughs)
Where are you calling from?
Australia? Wow. You want to order my paintings? You saw them on the web? The
internet? Wonderful! How many do you want? Twenty? Alhamdulillah (God be praised) (He is so
excited be drops the phone on the floor, or he catches it before it falls.)

NARRATOR RED: Today, we are here to honour those who were inspired by the Sun to create light- based
technologies, to improve the quality of life of people everywhere. These technologies have made
tremendous contribution to education, health, peace, stability and development.
Darkness, ignorance, under-development are fading memories of a time fourteen billion years ago when
there was an empty void.

NARRATOR ORANGE: Not so fastpause and think for a while! What the inventors achieved is
incredible. We can live comfortably or uncomfortably in any part of the world and share the joys, tragedies,
miracles. of being human and alive.
Through the internet, through radio and television utilizing Optical Fibres we can see the horror of natural
disasters, the devastation caused by terrorists through unspeakable acts, in Kenya, Nigeria, Syria and
many other countries.
We can celebrate as we see concrete evidence of successful strategies put in place to bring offenders of
the human race to justice.

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NARRATOR YELLOW: We can also see through the same use of optical fibers; that for millions of people;
over 1.5 billion people around the world, that when the Sun in all its glory and majesty, sets in East, the
nightmare associated with darkness begins.
People who depend on kerosene lamps for light are immediately destined to be on death row. The fumes of
the smoke from the lamps kill over 1.5 million people every year.
We are told that inhaling kerosene smoke is like smoking 4 packets of cigarettes every day. The effects of
the fumes are horrific; they invite respiratory diseases, bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia and the dreaded
cancer.
NARRATOR GREEN: Like the naked flames of the candle, the lit kerosene lamp can set the house on fire;
destroy meagre possessions inflicting abject poverty on the family.
ALL COLOURS: LET THERE BE LIGHT!

NARRATOR BLUE: In some parts of the world people have no other options for light at night but the one
available soon after humans came into existenceWOOD. So they too cut down trees to cook their food.
They still use the flames to light their dark homes, to keep warm, to provide comfort in their dark
environment. They are unknowingly destroying that which can prolong their lives- an environment with
trees. (Blackout. Music.)
SCENE FOUR
(The black curtains at the back are drawn) Tableau of a family, man woman and child in a dark
room. The child is reading a book by the light of a solar lamp on the floor. The wife and husband are
sitting at a table. She is writing on a piece of paper he is listening to the radio.The lighting source is
solar energy.

NARRATOR INDIGO: Scientists are convinced that harnessing the Suns energy during the day and
using that energy at night is one of the most affordable and effective solution to the problem of light in rural
areas.
NARRATOR RED: The SUN is dependable! It rises and sets each day. It provides light free of charge. It
shines on all of us regardless of race, religious beliefs or status in life. Solar energy is sustainable and it is
clean! It will never desert us.
We in Africa have a special relationship with the sun. The countries in Africa and other tropical countries
are defined by the Sun. Solar energy will be the guiding light of the future for African countries like The
Gambia.
And so we lift our voices, as the Sun rises each day, to express our gratitude, to the Gift which surpasses
all others...the Gift of Light in a dark world.

ALL COLOURS: LET THERE BE LIGHT! (stage lights are slowly faded in and increased till the whole
stage and the auditorium are lit)

As long as there are men and women

Who believe in equality for all peoples,
Who believe in justice for everyone
Who believe and work for true development?
In education, health, environment, agriculture, communication, economy and culture
Then there will be light for ever and ever and ever.
Music as the Rainbow dance is repeated slow fade to Black out.

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