Chinkhwaza Secondary School, a boarding school in Mulanje, southern Malawi, faced severe disruptions due to a seven-month power outage caused by issues with the national grid infrastructure. The installation of a solar system has improved the school’s operations, benefiting students by providing reliable electricity for night studies, lab sessions, computer lessons, and enhanced security
Project summary
The need
Previously, the school's operations were affected by the lack of electricity. Students were unable to attend night studies, lab sessions, and computer lessons. Early morning classes were also impossible, and security was compromised. The administration faced high costs and inefficiencies, having to travel long distances to complete tasks, and the overall passing rate for national exams was negatively affected.
The solution
The project involved installing an 8.1 kWp solar system with a 15 kWh battery, providing a stable and reliable power source for the school. This solar solution ensures that students can attend night studies, lab sessions, and computer lessons, and it improves security and administrative efficiency.
Impact
The solar power installation has transformed Chikhwaza Secondary School. With reliable electricity, 431 students can now attend night studies, lab sessions, and computer lessons, leading to better academic performance and improved national exam passing rates. Security has been enhanced, and administrative tasks are more efficient and cost-effective. The school environment has improved significantly, providing a better learning experience for all students. This project contributes to the SDGs 4 and 7.
Impact story
Impact of Solar at Chikhwaza Secondary School
“The installation of a solar power system at Chikhwaza Secondary School has transformed the learning environment, enabling uninterrupted evening studies, revived computer lessons, and ensuring the successful administration of exams. The improvements in security, with well-lit areas and reduced theft, have also contributed to a safer campus, helping to prevent pregnancies and reduce the dropout rate among female students to…”