Solar for Schools Community Project

The Need for Solar-Generated Electricity at St. Monic’s

Prior to the implementation of the project, the local area experienced constant power outages that prevented students from learning in optimal conditions. This limited student’s ability to access modern information technology which is crucial to their education and economic empowerment. The lack of electricity at St. Monic’s Academy is unfortunate, because of the multiple services it can provide in the classroom. Lighting can enable classes to be taught early in the morning or late at night. Electricity access facilitates the introduction of ICTs into the classroom such as computers and televisions. The electrification of St. Monic’s would enable the school principals to recruit and retain better qualified teachers and electrification has been correlated with improvements on both test scores and graduation rates.

Project Outcomes

The project successfully installed a 3KW solar PV system to power the computer room and library at the school enabling the operation of needs such as lighting, power, and ventilation to occur without interrupting learning opportunities.

The Solar PV system was formally commissioned and handed over to the community on Wednesday 16th July 2022 in the presence of local stakeholders such as the commissioner’s representative of the State, members of the community, representatives of the community’s town union, members of the Parents Teachers Association of the school, teachers and well-wishers.

The project also focused on education with staff and students at the school learning the basics of solar electricity and how solar panels generate electricity. Part of this included the opportunity for those involved to participate in the installation of a solar PV system to gain valuable practical experience and skills.

Read the Project Report here