In Wakiso, extensive solar project brightens learners' academic hopes
In a transformative step towards bridging the education-energy gap, Save the Children Uganda and We Care Solar have provided solar-powered lighting kits to 39 schools — directly benefiting over 10,372 learners.
An expert from We Care Solar demonstrating how the new solar system works. (Photos by John Musenze)
John Musenze
Journalist @New Vision
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More than 10,000 schoolchildren in Wakiso district can now study under bright, reliable lights, thanks to a new initiative by Save the Children Uganda and We Care Solar.
In a transformative step towards bridging the education-energy gap, the two organizations have provided solar-powered lighting kits to 39 schools — directly benefiting over 10,372 learners.
The initiative, which saw the installation of We Share Solar Suitcases, is set to improve the quality of education by providing a sustainable energy source for classrooms and administrative offices.
With many schools in Uganda struggling with unreliable electricity or a complete lack of power, this development offers a beacon of hope to students and teachers alike.
Primary Two pupils of Kikusa Primary School in Kakiri entertain visitors during the handover ceremony.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at Kikusa Primary School in Kakiri, Wakiso district on Thursday (April 3), Save the Children Uganda country director representative Dr Douglas Akii Bua underlined the impact of the project.
"Lighting is often an overlooked barrier to quality education. With these solar kits, we are ensuring that children can learn in safe, well-lit spaces, making education more accessible and effective," he said.
"This initiative will not only improve learning conditions, but also create safer, more inclusive education spaces for children."
Akii Bua said the project cost sh564 million and would benefit 39 schools.
'A right'
Feza Kabasweka Greene, the deputy director of Africa programmes at We Care Solar, said they aim to promote eco-friendly energy use, with this project being one of their key programmes.
Dr Douglas Akibua who represented Save the Children Uganda Country Director emphasised the profound impact of the project.
"Access to electricity should not be a privilege but a right. By equipping these schools with solar energy, we are creating an environment where children can thrive academically," she said.
The introduction of solar power in Wakiso’s schools is a game changer for learners who have had to contend with dimly lit or completely dark classrooms.
Many pupils, especially those in upper primary, can now extend their study hours in the evenings, an essential aspect for academic excellence.
'Enjoying preps'
For teachers, the solar-powered lighting will ease lesson preparation and administrative work, improving overall efficiency, according to Suzan Namuddu, the headteacher of Kikusa Primary School, one of the beneficiary schools.
"We applaud Save the Children for such an initiative, not just here at our school, but also in many others in our community," she said.
Wakiso District Education Officer, Kiyingi Fredrick Kinobe (with a solar case) handing it over to the school management.
Namuddu added that Save the Children has been supporting them since 2021: with a school block, energy-saving stoves, and initiatives promoting child participation and protection.
"Our learners now come in early and leave late because of this solar power. Primary Six and Primary Seven pupils are enjoying evening preps, and we believe our performance is going to improve."
The school headteacher also requested the district education officer (DEO) for more government teachers, saying the school has only two government-employed teachers and five privately paid teachers.
'Create an impact'
Beyond installation, Save the Children, through We Care Solar, has committed to ensuring the sustainability of the project.
An expert from We Care Solar demonstrating how the new solar system works.
School leaders have been engaged in discussions on maintenance and capacity building to ensure the solar kits continue to serve learners for years to come.
Before this initiative, in 2017, Save the Children had already constructed a school block to support both the school and parents in providing early childhood care and development (ECD), thereby promoting foundational literacy and numeracy in the community.
Frederick Kinobe Kiyingi, the Wakiso DEO, urged schools that received the solar kits to safeguard and maintain them.
"This is your initiative; guard it with your lives. Perform regular maintenance; do not wait for us. Create an impact with them, and let’s see a change in performance," he urged.
This initiative aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040, which aims to provide inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
The target area of the initiative has historically recorded low grades in national examinations, but parents and educationists are now optimistic about a better outlook.