Project: Access to Electricity and Water
Country & region/location: Nigeria, Delta State
Category: Energy & Education
In Delta State, numerous government-owned schools currently lack access to electricity. This has led to a drop in the quality of education for these pupils and by extension, an increase in inequality, increase in poverty and hunger. Particularly in STEM subjects, the absence of practical laboratory training diminishes their chances of securing admission to the limited university spots in Nigeria, where the acceptance rate stands at 38%.
To address this issue, the Ministry of Education has identified five off-grid schools in Delta State for a transformative project. The project aims to equip each of these five schools with a solar system. This solar infrastructure will power fans, lighting systems, administrative blocks, offices, laboratories, and libraries in the schools, ensuring an uninterrupted energy supply round the clock. Moreover, it will cater to the schools' water systems, enabling the communities to access water and provide essential lighting for security purposes during both day and night.
Upon the successful installation of the 20 kW inverter and solar system, each school will receive an ICT laboratory furnished with five laptops, all powered by the solar infrastructure. This initiative not only guarantees sustained access to clean energy and water but also offers students long-term access to quality computer training.
Expected results:
- 5 schools with solar-powered energy, enabling access to materials and equipment for computer education, laboratory education etc...
- 5 schools water systems powered enabling reliable access to portable water not only for students but also for the community, improving health and well-being. Additionally, the installation of fans will reduce mosquito bites and reduce the incidence of malaria in the community;
- 5 ICT laboratory installed, increasing practical STEM training;
- Improved access to quality education, that in the long term will allow to develop skills, improve their chances of university admission and/or entrepreneurship skills and ultimately suitable employment;
- Employment opportunities for local men and women through hiring and training of workers for constructing the secure location for solar panels and batteries and through the engagement of vigilantes to provide adequate security;
- Improved security and safety as security lights will be powered throughout the night by the solar system.
