Eritrea’s Minister of Education and the Norwegian Refugee Council have partnered up to provide students in the country with access to computer studies through the use of solar energy. The project was launched one year ago and continues to serve as a lesson on innovation for humanitarian agencies and government partners.
Maintenance work on the solar-powered system is regularly conducted and the ICT laboratory is functioning well, stocked with 30 desktop computers.
The installation is making use of the abundant sunlight in Eritrea to generate power. The solar energy components in use include solar panels, inverters, chargers, and other accessories assembled to operate a photo-voltaic system with a capacity of 10 to 15 Kva.
The electrical output is channeled to the Information, Communication and Technology departments and for lighting classrooms and the library. A care and maintenance technician from the school and one from the Education Ministry in Asmara have been trained and continue to provide support whenever it is required.
The project has benefited 1,500 school boys and girls and 50 teachers to date.