Discovery Digital Networks, Laura Ling and ONE Shed Light on Africa’s Energy Crisis

by cshirley

Africa’s middle class is expanding more rapidly than anywhere else in the world, but one key element impedes their growth: access to reliable energy. In an effort to increase awareness about the issue, The ONE Campaign (ONE) has partnered with Discovery Digital Networks to launch a digital campaign to engage young people who believe in making the world a better place for future generations.

Leading the charge is award-winning journalist Laura Ling, Director of Development and Correspondent for Seeker Network, who recently traveled to Tanzania to experience the issue firsthand to tell the stories of several individuals affected by the crisis through a short-form documentary entitled How Africa is Hacking Its Energy Crisis, which premiered today. Additionally, Laura recounts her experiences through a compelling and heartfelt op-ed.

Visit Seeker at SeekerNetwork.com, at YouTube.com/SeekerStories, and across its social channels to watch and engage. To learn more about how you can help end Africa’s energy crisis, visit www.ONE.org.

A behind the scenes look at filming in Mkuranga, Tanzania with Laura Ling, of Discovery Digital Networks in collaboration with ONE.org.  Credit: Discovery Digital Networks
A behind the scenes look at filming in Mkuranga, Tanzania with Laura Ling, of Discovery Digital Networks in collaboration with ONE.org.
Recho Mengo, a supervising clinical officer in Mkuranga, Tanzania, has delivered numerous babies in the dark because her clinic has no power. She improvises and holds a cell phone flashlight in her mouth during an nighttime call.
Recho Mengo, a supervising clinical officer in Mkuranga, Tanzania, has delivered numerous babies in the dark because her clinic has no power. She improvises and holds a cell phone flashlight in her mouth during an nighttime call.
Laura Ling and Mwanaidi Mwende discuss the challenges that come with raising a family without electricity, including unavoidable and unhealthy situations like cooking indoors. 
Laura Ling and Mwanaidi Mwende discuss the challenges that come with raising a family without electricity, including unavoidable and unhealthy situations like cooking indoors.
Hussein Mwende, 18, is frequently studying as he prepares to go to school to become a doctor. However, most of his studying is limited to daylight hours, since he has never lived with electricity at home.
Hussein Mwende, 18, is frequently studying as he prepares to go to school to become a doctor. However, most of his studying is limited to daylight hours, since he has never lived with electricity at home.