10/02/2007

One of the biggest complaints of the refugees had to do with the decision of the UN refugee agency to stop distributing kerosene as the cooking fuel in the camps to cut costs. They shifted to charcoal, pictured here, while also installing solar cookers in various places in the camps. The problem with charcoal is obvious --- in the small huts the smoke and fumes of charcoal create a very unhealthy environment. Further, refugees miss the kerosene for lighting lamps in the evening. With no kerosene and no electricity, students are prevented from studying as much as they would like in the evening hours.