Two primary schools in Kobe refugee camp now have access to renewable energy

Last February, Alianza Shire and UNHCR Ethiopia inaugurated an isolated power energy system for two primary schools in the Kobe refugee camp in Dollo Ado, Ethiopia. The project will directly benefit 800 refugee students and indirectly benefit 4,000 local residents.

Inauguration ceremony

The goal of this project was to improve the infrastructure of the facilities by providing an alternative energy source for the electrification and ventilation of the schools. With these improvements, not only has the learning and teaching environment been enhanced, it is also expected to be a relevant factor in increasing the motivation of students and teachers to attend classes.

More specifically, solar panels with a capacity of 20 kWp and 9.6 kWh of battery storage were installed. The energy system has the capacity of 10 kWp per school, and includes internal electrical installations and light points, sockets, switches and overhead fans for classrooms and administrative offices.

In addition, two 55-inch smart TVs have been installed (one per school) which are helping teachers and instructors to conduct their classes.

 

The project has been funded by the European Union, through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), in the framework of the Alianza Shire project. It has been implemented by UNHCR, working in partnership with Save the Environment Ethiopia (SEE) and the state-owned Refugee and Returnee Services (RRS).