Using Solar Energy to Help Children in Rural India

Summary

This project will use solar panels to provide reliable energy to school children in rural India, thus providing them with better access to lighting, modern technology (computers) and educational opportunities.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

The Anjana Vidyakendra School in rural India provides education to children who would otherwise lack access to it. Unfortunately, the school suffers from severe electricity shortages and is often only on the power grid for a few hours per day. With such inconsistent access to power, children often do not have the light required to study properly, and the school’s goal of creating a computer lab for enhanced learning opportunities is not feasible.

How will this project solve this problem?

We have implemented a plan to install solar panels at the school. With the money raised so far, the solar panels have been installed and the energy generated is providing the school with enough electricity to consistently power 20 computers, which will help further the children's education. We are currently raising funds to finish the classroom lighting. The bottom line is, if access to modern information technology is crucial to educational and economic empowerment, so is access to energy.

Potential Long Term Impact

The project will help children at this school have the tools necessary to create educational and economic opportunities for themselves, which they can then use to help their families and the communities in which they live rise out of poverty.

Project Message

"I grew up with access to modern technology, and I believe providing that to children in rural India and elsewhere through access to energy is crucial for educational and economic empowerment."
- Ketan Soni, Director, Friends Unite

Resources

Donate by US Mobile Phone