Solar Power for Refugees in Bidibidi, Uganda

In our previous update, the JPIIJPC Solar for Peace Project had just completed the Yangani Secondary School Computer Lab and was beginning work on the Kado Primary School Lab. We are now pleased to report the successful completion of both the Kado and Koro Primary School Computer Labs, located within the Bidibidi Refugee Settlement.

At Kado Primary School, JPIIJPC constructed a 7x6.6m computer lab powered by a 7.5KW solar energy system. The lab has been furnished with custom desks, 23 chairs, 20 computers, and an air conditioner. It is fully operational and equipped with internet, and is currently awaiting formal commissioning. At Koro Primary School, an existing teacher’s room was transformed into a computer lab with fitted desks, 23 chairs, 20 computers, and air conditioning. This lab is also fully functional and connected to the internet, pending official commissioning.

To ensure the sustainability of these interventions, JPIIJPC organized a comprehensive training program for 24 teachers from Twajiji Hope Primary School, Yangani Secondary School, Kado, and Koro. The training aimed to equip them with the skills needed to integrate digital tools into their teaching and to mentor students in responsible and effective computer use. Additionally, 46 student leaders from Koro received training on children's rights and responsibilities, delivered by Fr. Robert Ayiko, our focal person within the settlement.

JPIIJPC also conducted a preliminary monitoring and evaluation exercise at Yangani Secondary School, one of the first beneficiaries of the project. The findings highlight the project’s transformative role in improving digital literacy, educational performance, and community cohesion. Since the launch of the Solar for Peace Project, student enrolment at Yangani has surged from 628 to 1,012, underscoring both the program’s appeal and the growing need for additional resources. While we encountered a setback due to the delivery of substandard equipment by a vendor at two labs, we have initiated corrective measures and are closely monitoring the situation. With continued support and strategic implementation, the project has strong potential to serve as a scalable model for digital education in refugee-hosting regions.

Looking ahead, JPIIJPC believes that fostering computer literacy and providing solar-powered lighting for evening study sessions will significantly enhance student learning outcomes and equip them with essential skills for future employment. These efforts are key to promoting educational equity and social development in vulnerable communities.

We deeply appreciate GlobalGiving for providing us with a platform to share our mission. Despite limited visibility on social media, we are grateful to have received generous support through the GlobalGiving portal. We also extend heartfelt thanks to the Catholic Bishop of Arua for his unwavering encouragement and involvement in all aspects of our peacebuilding efforts in Bidibidi and Imvepi. Our sincere gratitude goes to our valued partners—UNHCR, OPM, and Windle International, the lead partner in education—for their collaboration and commitment.

As we enter 2025, our focus now turns to launching a new digital literacy initiative at another school within the settlement.
Wishing you all the blessings of the Easter Season!

The JPIIPC “Solar for Peace Project” is transforming education in schools within the settlement. Following the commissioning of Twajiji Hope Primary School Computer Lab, JPIIJPC has continued the construction of the Yangani Secondary school Computer Lab Project as captured in May in the last report by constructing a 7x6.6m computer lab, installation of 7.5KW of solar energy,  furnishing with computer desks, 23 chairs, 20 computers, and air conditioner. The computer lab is fully functional with internet installed and the project is presently awaiting commissioning in 2025.

JPIIJPC has also commenced the construction of Kado Primary School computer Lab of similar size. It is expected to be finished before the middle of 2025. Once the construction of the computer lab is finished, the solar energy will be installed, the computer lab will be furnished and installed with computers and high-speed internet. 

It goes without saying that the installation of solar energy and computer labs has improved digital literacy and lighting for evening studies in the beneficiary schools. This time due to the change in policy in preference for more permanent structures over temporary structures, the Solar for Peace Project suffered bureaucratic delays in commencing the construction of the 7x6.6m computer labs. This disrupted the project timelines and planning and complicated reporting.  Come 2025, JPIIJPC hope to strengthen its collaboration with government agencies in Yumbe to facilitate smoother project implementation.

JPIIJPC envisages that empowering the young pupils with computer literacy and improving the lighting condition in the classrooms for after-school-hours studies, will among other things, enhance their learning and improve their competitiveness in the job market after schooling. 

We remain grateful to GlobalGiving for hosting us in their portal. The Centre is still committed to hire professionals to assist us publicise the success stories of this JPIIJPC Solar for Peace Program to attract financial support globally. We are ever grateful to the Catholic Bishop of Arua for his constant support and availability in all aspects of our Peacebuilding intervention in Bidibidi and Imvepi Refugee Settlement. We salute our esteemed partners – UNHCR, OPM and the lead partner in Education – Windle International. 

We are confident that the Year 2025 will come with abundant blessings for us all especially for beneficiaries and our benefactors.

Compliments of the Christmas Season!