New Era Schools in Malawi has collaborated with Energy Assistance sponsored by Fondation ENGIE to provide solar panels and batteries to its Girls’ Secondary and Primary Schools.

New Era School was the first school in Ntcheu District—and the entire country—to provide private education for girls back in 1993. Thirty one years later, the school has become a cherished local and national treasure. Thousands of its alumni have been sent to the best universities and many are working in the private and public sectors, and still it continues to provide quality but modern education for low to middle income households. Its core mission is to provide holistic education. That means IT literacy for all. But in a country where power outages are frequent, and the economy is hyper-unstable, the directors sought assistance to tackle the problem.

But in a country with frequent power cuts and a highly unstable economy, the directors asked Energy Assistance for help in tackling the problem. Gasoline-powered generators, used during power cuts, were neither environmentally friendly nor sustainable, and were very expensive.

Energy Assist installed 11 photovoltaic panels and 2 Lithium batteries as a backup to “New Era School’s connection to ESCOM (local provider).
The solar system (nearly 5 kWp with a storage capacity of 8.9 kWh) ensures constant electricity in critical areas such as foyers, classrooms, the computer room, along the school fence and in the main administration office.

It also enables to

• Provide consistent electricity, which is crucial for uninterrupted learning.
• Guarantee access to ICT equipment for students.
• Support the running of basic facilities such as lavatories and the kitchen.
• Enable longer study periods by providing light after dark.
• Improve security
• Reduce electricity costs, making funds available for other educational needs.
• Promote the use of renewable energy and reduces reliance on fossil fuels and encourage the students to do so.

Future projects and further development

Building on this partnership experience, the school management allows itself to dream bigger and go further in its commitment to education and the environment:

• It wishes to introduce biogas during the next school year in order to limit the use of firewood and to fight against deforestation and reduce its carbon footprint and is currently looking for partners to tackle this major problem in schools from Malawi.
• In order to improve the learning of information technologies, it introduced 50 educational tablets with which students can “self-learn”.

For the community at large, New Era Schools plans:

• To launch a women only access to ICT facilities lab that will also act as a safe space for women and children.
• To finish constructing its community business centre / ICT- business growth hub which will be available to the Ntcheu community.
• To open an emergency phone charging bay for the community.
• To help its teachers acquire solar lights in their own homes, so they can can assign and grade homework after dark or in blackouts

Learn more 👉 (vidéo)

Acknowledgments.

This wonderful project was initiated by Eva G., an environmentalist, who sought the assistance of Energy Assistance on behalf of New Era School. The Jesman family, the founders and proprietors of the school. The successful material installation was carried out by a dedicated local supplier, Go Solar, ensuring close after-sales service. A big thank you to the exceptional team of volunteers: Genevieve R., Michael d M., Sarah O. and to all supporters who have brought hope to the district and the people of Ntcheu. Thank you !

Our mission was to uplift the educational landscape for 600 young girls at Likuni Girls Secondary School in Malawi through the installation of solar panels and batteries. Malawi grapples with frequent power outages, disrupting the learning process. Enter solar energy – a reliable power source that not only brightens classrooms but also contributes to our planet’s well-being.

Lighting the Path to Education:

Likuni Girls Secondary School, a boarding school near Lilongwe, is home to 600 girls. Our solar system not only illuminate classrooms after dark (around 5 p.m. due to the latitude) but also power 30 computers, providing access to modern educational tools. We firmly believe that every girl deserves a chance at a bright future, and access to education is the key.

Scope of the Solar Project:

While connected to the local network (ESCOM), persistent power cuts prompted the installation of 22 photovoltaic panels and 4 Lithium batteries as a backup. The panels have been placed on the school building’s roof, a restored technical room now houses the solar regulation equipment, electrical boxes, and batteries. The solar system (almost 10kWp with a storage capacity of 19.2kWh) ensures a continuous power supply to classrooms, the computer lab, and the administration bloc during outages.

Towards Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness:

Beyond classrooms and administration bloc, dormitories, kitchens, and more remain unconnected. A feasibility study is underway for supplying biogas to the kitchen. This would allow daily meals to be prepared without the need for electricity or firewood, and provide biofertilizer for the vegetable garden, offering an eco-friendly solution. This move aims to combat deforestation and enhance the school’s self-sufficiency.

Fostering biodiversity for a Sustainable Future:

In commitment to sustainability, Likuni Girls’ Secondary School pledges to plant 800 native trees. This tree plantation will aim to reforest areas of Lilongwe that have been hardest hit by deforestation (mainly for firewood and charcoal) and to teach girls the benefits of having trees nearby. Trees along riverbeds aim to reduce flooding during the rainy season, particularly dramatic given floods in Malawi in recent years.

A Journey of Impact and Growth:

Our mission has been a profound journey of learning, growth, and giving back to a community that has become close to our hearts.
Hear from the Beneficiaries:

Acknowledgments:

This impactful project was initiated by Worldwide Solidarity for Education (WSE) and executed by Energy Assistance asbl-vzw. The successful material installation was carried out by a dedicated local supplier, ensuring close after-sales service.
A heartfelt thank you to our exceptional team of volunteers: Genevieve R., Michael dM., Johan B., Tony MdH, Sabine B., Jean B., and to all supporters who have made this mission possible, especially Pedro M., Mark D., and Sister Amelia N. Together, we’re making a difference!