Pupils still living without electricity in rural areas outside Mthatha have a shot at a brighter future thanks to a solar-powered energy kit.
SA Airlink, in partnership with Open Range Solar, have provided 2500 pupils with these kits.
A grade 12 pupil from Dalibaso Senior Secondary School near Mqanduli, Anathi Sanda, said it had always been a struggle for her to study through the night, even though it was necessary because she wanted to do well in school.
“We thank Airlink. Now the problem of homework not being done is in the past and we can only see brightness for our future and our families,” Sanda said.
Airlink appointed Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA) to support the rollout of the kits, while the provincial department of education assisted in the distribution of the 2500 solar charging kits via schools to children who live in non-electrified households.
The rollout started last week in Mqanduli and ends in Ngcwanguba village on November 2.
Families who will benefit from this distribution are from the Mqanduli, Qunu, Ngcwanguba and Coffee Bay communities.
Airlink’s executive manager of corporate services, Namhla Tshetu, said despite the progress made in providing households in South Africa with electricity during the past 26 years, about 13% of those households were still in the dark, according to the Department of Energy.
“We partnered with Open Range, who came with a remarkably inventive, cost-effective and environmentally friendlier way to support thousands of children left without electricity,” Tshetu said.
She said Airlink wanted to ensure that lighting was the least of the youth’s concern as they carved out a future for themselves.
“One day these learners will be our future leaders, consume our products and hopefully be employed as pilots, accountants, engineers and so on,” she said.
Tshetu said the product itself was simple, safe and easy to operate. It comprises a battery-operated solar-charging lighting kit, including three LED lamps, a torch and a small solar panel.
The kit would enable a household to light multiple rooms and even at night light can be provided outside by using the torch.
All of these lights are powered directly from the solar panel.
A grade 10 pupil from Dudumayo High School, Busie Buli, said she was grateful she no longer had to worry about paraffin lanterns and candles.
“Light will forever shine in the Ngcwanguba area. We are so happy, our future is brighter thanks to this donation,” Busie said.
Chief Mkhanyiseli Dudumayo of Ngcwanguba said: “As a traditional leader my duty is to ensure educational programmes are driven.
“We promise to keep them safe and make sure that the light brought by Airlink will shine till these children succeed.” —
ziphon@dispatch.co.za
Solar kits give rural pupils a power burst
SA Airlink, in partnership with Open Range Solar, have provided 2500 pupils with these kits.
A grade 12 pupil from Dalibaso Senior Secondary School near Mqanduli, Anathi Sanda, said it had always been a struggle for her to study through the night, even though it was necessary because she wanted to do well in school.
“We thank Airlink. Now the problem of homework not being done is in the past and we can only see brightness for our future and our families,” Sanda said.
Airlink appointed Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA) to support the rollout of the kits, while the provincial department of education assisted in the distribution of the 2500 solar charging kits via schools to children who live in non-electrified households.
The rollout started last week in Mqanduli and ends in Ngcwanguba village on November 2.
Families who will benefit from this distribution are from the Mqanduli, Qunu, Ngcwanguba and Coffee Bay communities.
Airlink’s executive manager of corporate services, Namhla Tshetu, said despite the progress made in providing households in South Africa with electricity during the past 26 years, about 13% of those households were still in the dark, according to the Department of Energy.
“We partnered with Open Range, who came with a remarkably inventive, cost-effective and environmentally friendlier way to support thousands of children left without electricity,” Tshetu said.
She said Airlink wanted to ensure that lighting was the least of the youth’s concern as they carved out a future for themselves.
“One day these learners will be our future leaders, consume our products and hopefully be employed as pilots, accountants, engineers and so on,” she said.
Tshetu said the product itself was simple, safe and easy to operate. It comprises a battery-operated solar-charging lighting kit, including three LED lamps, a torch and a small solar panel.
The kit would enable a household to light multiple rooms and even at night light can be provided outside by using the torch.
All of these lights are powered directly from the solar panel.
A grade 10 pupil from Dudumayo High School, Busie Buli, said she was grateful she no longer had to worry about paraffin lanterns and candles.
“Light will forever shine in the Ngcwanguba area. We are so happy, our future is brighter thanks to this donation,” Busie said.
Chief Mkhanyiseli Dudumayo of Ngcwanguba said: “As a traditional leader my duty is to ensure educational programmes are driven.
“We promise to keep them safe and make sure that the light brought by Airlink will shine till these children succeed.” —
ziphon@dispatch.co.za
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