What do solar lighting, maternal health, and a powerful book about humanitarian work have in common?

They came together on 6 March, when GreenLamp members and supporters gathered in Zurich for our Annual General Meeting and a special fundraising event.

During the AGM, we reflected on the impact of our work in Ethiopia in 2025 and shared updates across our three pillars:

Learn – presented by Beatrice Friedli
– 16 new midwifery scholarships awarded
– 38 students currently completing BSc degrees who are supported through GreenLamp funding

Light – presented by Joanna Boyd, with a special guest contribution from Samson Tsegaye, CEO of The Solar Energy Foundation
– 30 solar energy systems were installed or upgraded, with further systems maintained

Lead – presented by Anna Roos Broekhuijsen
– Several regional alumni meetings and one national leadership workshop held

Along with continued implementation of the Ferring Holistic Community Program

We were also delighted to announce that Valéria Akroyd and Anna Roos Broekhuijsen have taken on the role of Co-Chairs, leading GreenLamp into its next chapter.

Following the AGM, guests joined us for a reading from The Bright Fabric of Life by author Mhairi Collie. A consultant surgeon based in Edinburgh, Mhairi has spent many years in sub-Saharan Africa treating women with childbirth injuries such as obstetric fistula and training local medical professionals. Her humanitarian work has brought vital attention to the devastating consequences of obstructed labour and the urgent need for improved maternal care, and guests later engaged with her in a thoughtful discussion to learn more about her book and this critical issue.

The afternoon concluded with the LIT Lighting Design Awards ceremony, where Astrid Hébert presented GreenLamp with the Spotlight Prize, a special honour given to organisations that deliver remarkable work in their communities through lighting solutions.

We are delighted to have raised around 3 500 CHF from ticket sales and donations, and sold 56 books.  A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, contributed to the success of the event, and continues to support our mission to improve maternal health and opportunities for women in Ethiopia 💚