BETHLEHEM SCHOOL BEGAN AS A SMALL KINDERGARTEN PROJECT AND HAS GROWN INTO A PRIMARY SCHOOL SERVING OVER 500 CHILDREN FROM FAMILIES WHO COULD NOT OTHERWISE AFFORD EDUCATION. THE SCHOOL EMPHASIZES QUALITY EDUCATION, SOFT SKILLS, GENDER EQUALITY, AND HEALTH, PROVIDING FREE MEALS TO CHILDREN IN NEED
Project summary
THE NEED
The school had no reliable electricity. Small existing solar panels only powered a printer and a few lights in teachers’ rooms. This limited students’ study time after school, prevented evening tuition, and constrained the use of computers and projectors for lessons, particularly in science and digital learning. Administrative tasks, such as printing examinations and record keeping, were difficult and often outsourced at a cost. Teacher housing lacked lighting, and safety around the school at night was a concern. The school also needed power to operate the water pump and ensure access to safe drinking water
The solution
To address these challenges, a 8.05 kWp solar power system supported by 10 kWh battery storage was installed to provide electricity for classrooms, teachers’ houses, the computer lab, administrative offices, and security lighting. The system supports the operation of 20 sponsored computers, printing and administrative work, water pumping, and evening tuition, enabling the school to fully utilize its resources and improve learning conditions.
Impact
Since the solar installation, the school now has reliable electricity across all classrooms and facilities. Students can study in the evenings, candidate classes (Class 4 and 7) can prepare effectively for exams, and teachers can deliver lessons using computers and projectors. Administrative work and printing of examination papers have become easier and more cost effective. Security and lighting around the school and teacher housing have improved, and access to water has been enhanced through powered pumps. Overall, the school can now provide quality education, improve student performance, and teach children the benefits of sustainable energy. The Project directly contributing to SDGs 4, 6 & 7.