Solar Power Program
Solar Power System Installations
To offer children the benefits of a modernized education – one where equipment can be powered, computers can be run, and classes can be held in a well-lit and safe environment – the Foundation installs solar power systems at schools that are not currently on the electricity grid.
To date, we have built and/or supplied seven schools, as well as additional clinics. Our schools have been outfitted with solar panels, batteries, lights and power outlets, as well as computers. Koinonia Foundation has also provided equipment for the additional clinics.
Below is one of our projects. View others in our gallery.
SHYARA SCHOOL, BUGESERA DISTRICT
In 2008, the Foundation installed a solar power system for the Shyara School in the Bugesera District of Rwanda. The school was donated to the Rwanda Ministry of Education by the U.S. Government. It will provide primary education to students in years 1-9.
Shyara School, before solar power system installation.
Shyara School, with Koinonia Foundation installing system.
With the installation of the solar power system, the school now has electricity in all of its buildings and plans to build a computer lab on its premises.
In 2009, team members returned to Shyara. An inspection of the system showed everything to be in working order. We finished the project by installing special low-power lighting inside the classrooms and outside the facilities.
Board member Sheri Strothers prepares to install a low-power light.
Andrew Williams installs a light in a classroom.
Board member Pauline Nadeau with students at Shyara School.
Then we got a chance to visit with the students.
From the blog…
“It’s about halfway through our trip, and yesterday we trekked out to the Shyara School to check on the solar power system we had installed last year and to install additional lighting…”
