In Kenya, implement a solar energy system in a center that cares for orphans, vulnerable children and poor families.
Island of Hope is a community center in Rusinga Island taking care of orphans, vulnerable children and poor families, and has been operational for the last 15 years providing direct services to more than 600 families in this island that has been isolated for a very long time in terms main services like electricity, roads, clean water for drinking and many other basic services deemed necessary in the modern society. Electricity got its footprint in the island just 5 years ago with more than 95% households still not connected. The average electricity blackout in the island is 4 hours per day.
Solar Energy for Island of Hope
Center Narovinu Kenya
Kenya, Rusinga Island (Lake Vitoria)
Connecting their computer lab to solar system will ensure that students classes won't be interrupted by electricity black-outs. Being a Non-Profit organization, using renewable energy will also drastically reduce Center Narovinu operational costs and monthly electricity bills. The project will directly benefit 450 students currently in the school and a staff of over 60 people that works on a daily basis in the center. This is the only school in the island that has a computer lab, and their intention is to use the lab to provide paid up services like computer trainings for the locals and internet services. This will demand constant supply of energy to enable better services.
The project consists on the installation of solar panels in series/parallel connection. In its full capacity the proposed system will provide effectively the energy needs of the targeted areas of the project thus eliminating the need of mains electricity.
The computer lab will work full 8 hrs. from Monday to Saturday and this will increase the number students that will register for the computer classes and Island of Hope will also be able to diversify the services that they can offer from the computer lab to the community members. The paid services to be offered from the computer lab will be priced in manner that Center Narovinu can raise funds for the project but also be very affordable to the community members.
Expected outputs:
- Energy for 11 classrooms, Administration block and Computer lab (50 computers)
- Set-up of an internet business for the community
- Reduction on the energy bill (grid and generators)
Status May 2021:
- Community meetings held
- Construction of the Powerhouse
- Installation of the Solar System
- Computer lab connected to the solar system
- Creation of an electric Club for students
- Execution rate: 100%
