Simba School is a government-registered English-medium primary school in a remote Maasai community, supported by the NGO Africa Amini. From humble beginnings as a kindergarten project, it now serves over 340 children from ages 4 to 14, offering free, high-quality education and meals to children from very poor families. The school is recognized among the top 10% best-performing government schools in the country.
Project summary
THE NEED
Despite its success, the school operates with very limited electricity, relying on a few solar panels that only power a printer and minimal lighting. Teachers cannot extend lessons into the evening, students in candidate classes (Class 4 and 7) walk 6 km daily due to lack of boarding facilities, and the school is unable to use its 20 donated computers. Safety is a concern due to wild animals at night, and clean drinking water is unavailable without a powered filtration system.
The solution
To address these challenges, an 8.8 kWp solar system with a 5 kWh battery was installed. It now powers classrooms, teachers’ houses, security lighting, a 20-computer lab, and a water filtration unit, enabling evening lessons, safety, and digital learning.
Impact
The solar electrification project will enhance learning for over 340 students by enabling evening lessons, digital education, and improved teacher retention. It will also ensure student safety through lighting and provide access to clean drinking water. The overall quality of education has improved, directly contributing to SDGs 4 & 7.