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Success story December 2024
OMBAKA SPECIAL EDUCATION
Installation of solar panels for the boarding school and the special education school in a flood-prone area.
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Background Information
Ombaka Special School is a boarding school for around 65 children, mostly mentally disabled children. It is situated in Western Kenya along Lake Victoria in an area which has recently been badly affected by flood, due to erratic rain fall and back flow of the lake. The area is remote and marginalized with poor road infrastructure. The parents are often not fully paying school fees, due to financial struggles following the flood after all their crops and livelihoods and some of the houses were destroyed. Many parents are still in temporary shelters and evacuation camps.
Children at the special school
Problem statement
Following the flood several electricity poles started rotting and fell down, which cut of the area from electricity. This has really negatively affected the wellbeing of the children, who due to their mental state become anxious at night. It was also very difficult for the care takers who only use little lanterns which did not give them enough light. The latrines are outside and moving around without light is risky with sometimes finding snakes and bats or other rodents or stepping in the mud and stagnant water following the flood. It affected the teachers as well who cannot use modern technologies or teaching aids and communication became difficult, because mostly their phones could not be charged. The security guards were also struggling since the area was always in darkness and an easy target.
Solar Installation at the school
Solution
Through Donor See SWAP raised funds to look for a climate friendly solution in an area where there is sun in abundance to install solar panels and systems at the special school. A solar expert was engaged and did an assessment after which all the required materials were procured. On the second of December 2024 the installation was done. A lot of excitement was there when lights were turned on. It made a difference and brightened the lives of these vulnerable children.
Thanks to all the well-wishers who contributed to provide sustainable energy for a brighter future.