Anna: April 2010 Archives

In my last blog I wrote about how Mbakalo Secondary School had embraced its newly-acquired solar system. Mr Murutu is proud to be the physics teacher at Mbakalo. He's been at the school for 14 years and was eager to tell me how the solar power has had a positive impact on the school.

"Students are completing assignments on time, they are also happier. I am happier too because it is making my job easier."

Mr Murutu went on to say:

"The students are so intrigued about the solar panels. They ask many questions. Science lessons, especially physics, are now much more practical. Before, it was all theoretical and some concepts were hard for the students to grasp. The solar has helped bring science to life!"

This has had an interesting knock-on effect. Seeing solar in action; and seeing the power of electricity has lead to an increased number of students enrolling to study physics. Career choices are shifting too from humanitarian-based careers to more practical vocations. At least two students I spoke to told me they wanted to be electrical engineers.

The impact on teachers
The Head of Humanities, Mr Chobolla, told me: "We can stay longer after the school day to complete marking and plan our lessons. Typing is easier too with light and we can even charge our mobile phones."

It is clear that the students and teachers feel an enormous sense of pride for the system. The students especially are very curious; they want to learn more about renewable energy generally and are eager to get solar lighting in their homes.

And it goes beyond secondary education too. The system has had a broader impact on the community as whole.

"Having the solar has really raised the profile of Mbakalo School in the community. We are a good showcase to the community, demonstrating how solar works and how it can have a strong, positive impact"

More from the teachers and students at Mbakalo in my next update.