Solar briefcases power up learning in rural Ugandan schools

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In the rural corners of Uganda’s Wakiso district, where electricity remains a luxury, just like in other rural areas, children have long struggled to study in the early mornings or evenings. Darkness has been a silent barrier to education – until now.

The introduction of solar suitcases, a collaborative effort by Save the Children Uganda and We Care Solar, is lighting up classrooms. The blue solar suitcases are now powering classrooms in 39 schools, benefiting more than 10,000 learners.

“We come early in the morning and stay late in the classroom completing our homework and revising because of the solar light,” says Moses Mugwanya, a Primary Six pupil at Kikusa Church of Uganda Primary School in Kakiri sub-county, Wakiso district.

“We don’t have power at home, so this is our only chance.”

Mugwanya’s words echo the experiences of many pupils whose learning used to stop when the sun went down. Now, the classrooms are well-lit after sunset, learning continues uninterrupted, and performance is steadily improving.

“Even when it rains, we still have light and continue studying,” adds Sharon Nalwanga, a Primary Five pupil. “We used to be trapped in the dark, but not anymore.”

Teachers are equally excited. The reliable solar lighting has transformed their ability to prepare lessons and support pupils.

“We use the light to prepare a scheme of work and create learning aids for the next day,” explains Susan Namuddu, head teacher at Kikusa.

“Primary Six and Seven classrooms were the first to receive the solar suitcases. Now Primary Four and Five classrooms have them too, and we hope every class will soon be covered.”

A symbol of opportunity

The solar suitcase project aims to close the education-energy gap in underprivileged areas with limited access to electricity. Eric Hiire, a teacher of Social Studies and Religious Education at Kikusa, has already seen progress.

“The solar lighting has helped improve learners’ performance,” he says. “They revise early in the morning and late into the evening.”

The small blue solar suitcases are given free of charge to schools, while the yellow versions are allocated to health centres. Each one is more than just a power source; it’s a symbol of opportunity.

“Access to electricity should not be a privilege but a right,” says Feza Kabasweka Greene, Deputy Director of Africa Programmes, We Care Solar. She made the remark at the handover on behalf of Uganda Country Programme Manager Phiona Abaho Bruce.

The solar suitcases highlight the vital role of renewable energy in advancing education and align with Uganda’s Vision 2040 goal of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

“By equipping schools with solar energy, we are creating an environment where children can thrive,” says Kabasweka.

Beyond the classroom

The benefits of solar suitcases extend beyond pupils and teachers. Deodanta Tugumisirize, whose last-born daughter and four grandchildren are at Kikusa, says the school solar light has stirred the children’s passion for education.

“Since our solar panel batteries were stolen upon losing my husband, we have survived on a mobile telephone torch; without it, we live in complete darkness,” she says.

“Now my child and grandchildren, abandoned to my care, can do their homework at school. I even passed by the school at 7:30 pm and saw the school still lit; it gave me hope.”

Reducing teacher absenteeism

The solar suitcases are also reducing teacher absenteeism. “Previously, teachers missed up to four lessons a week,” says Sabiiti Mabale, a technician with the We Care Solar Kabale team.

“Now with phones charging in classrooms and improved lighting, teachers stay longer and teach more.”

Hiire agrees the solar suitcases have come to the aid of teachers. “It has helped us stop movement to the trading centres to charge our phones and instead focus our energy on teaching,” he says.

“Previously, we would take our phones for charging at 6:30 pm and do the pickups in the morning. Now we are fully available at school.”

School security has improved, too. “The solar-lit school compound deters intruders and creates a safe environment for everyone,” says Hiire.

A turning point for education

At Katiiti Baptist Primary School in Kakiri sub-county, headteacher John Kasumba is witnessing the solar light transformation firsthand.

“Our learners arrive early and leave late after doing their homework because at home there is no light,” he says.

“The solar light has brought enthusiasm to both learners and teachers. It has only been a month, but already life is changing.”

Dr Douglas Akii-Bua, representing Save the Children Uganda country director Famari Barro, called the solar suitcases “a game changer”. Over half a billion shillings has been invested so far, with more schools on the list to benefit.

“This is a sustainable solution,” Akii-Bua emphasised. “It’s improving the quality of education by providing consistent light for classrooms and administrative offices.”

Frederick Kiyingi Kinobe, the Wakiso district education officer, welcomed the solar suitcase initiative and urged beneficiary schools to maintain the systems well.

“If this project succeeds,” he said, “it will pave the way for many more schools to benefit.”