New batteries for the solar system in the primary school

“Omwana takulila nju emoi.” 
A child does not grow up in just one home. 

(Ugandan saying) 

Just as important as a peaceful and caring family environment is a school atmosphere that fosters learning for a child’s development. This is especially relevant for boarding school students who spend all their time, except during holidays, at school and in the dormitories. 

For over 25 years, the Ugandakreis Heiligenstadt e. V. has been supporting the St. Pius Primary School in our partner community of Lwamaggwa in the Rakai district. Through various BMZ-funded projects, the construction of a school building as well as boys’ and girls’ dormitories has been supported in recent years, along with ensuring access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities. Currently, about 670 students attend the Primary School, with nearly 170 of them being accommodated overnight in the dormitories. 

In 2018, with the support of the Ugandakreis, a solar power system was installed at the Primary School. The energy generated is used 100% for the electricity supply in the classrooms, dormitories, and common rooms of the school and boarding facilities, providing interior lighting after sunset. This ensures that students can study, read, and play even in the evening. Having light also means greater safety for the children in the dormitories during the nighttime hours. 

However, the batteries of the solar system have since failed, rendering the entire system non-functional. New batteries are urgently needed to store the energy generated during the day and ensure electricity is available in the evenings. A current cost estimate from our partners in Uganda puts the financial requirements for the new batteries at 14,000,000 UGX (Ugandan Shillings), approximately €3,500. 

We sincerely thank you in advance for your support of this project! 

If this project has sparked your interest in our association's work, feel free to learn more on our homepage. Enjoy exploring! 

Webale nyo!