Katole Community Day Secondary School, established in 2002, is located in the Southern Region of Malawi. The school provides secondary education to 324 students in a rural area where there is currently no access to electricity
Project summary
THE NEED
Katole CDSS is not connected to the national grid, and the nearest power supply is about 1.5 kilometers away, making access difficult and costly. Without electricity, students have limited time for studies after school, while teachers struggle to photocopy learning materials and cannot use projectors for science lessons. Administrative tasks such as printing examinations and record keeping must be outsourced, increasing operational costs and affecting the school’s efficiency.
The solution
To address these challenges, a 5.4 kWp solar power system supported by 15 kWh battery storage was installed at the school. The system provides reliable electricity to support lighting, administration, and teaching tools such as photocopiers and projectors
Impact
With reliable solar power, students now have better opportunities to study after school, and teachers can prepare and deliver lessons more effectively. Administrative work has also become easier and more cost efficient. The solar system is expected to improve learning conditions and help the school achieve better academic performance as it prepares for its first national examination cycle. The introduction of computer studies has enhanced digital literacy skills, preparing students for future opportunities. The school has become a safer and more accessible learning environment. This project contributes to SDGs 4 and 7.