Thanks to The Bourke Family Foundation and their generosity over the last two years, there are now seven schools in Zimbabwe that have solar lighting kits installed in a classroom, providing ceiling lights for after-hours work. While several of the schools are located on the national electricity grid and have access to electricity, schools have not been able to afford the connection fees and ongoing charges. Students and teachers are thus eternally grateful for this gift.
The most recent solar kits donated by The Bourke Family Foundation join the five previous recipients, and have been installed at two more schools in the Tsholotsho District of Zimbabwe. Schools that now have solar kits include Jabulani Primary School (located 20 km from Victoria Falls), as well as Ngamo and Kapane secondary schools, and Jakalasi, Mpindo, Mlevu, and Ziga primary schools, which are all located in the Tsholotsho District south of Hwange National Park.
The solar kits include a solar panel, battery, ceiling lights, and all wiring required for installation, and will provide a much-needed opportunity for students and teachers to study and mark after hours. As electricity is a luxury that most in this region do not have access to, having a designated classroom at school where they can work after hours is hugely beneficial. This will also significantly help teachers, as they can use the additional hours in the evening to mark students’ work, or plan for the following day’s lessons.
School heads have expressed their gratitude for the kits, with one stating that “my students are in class right now for their evening studies. They are very happy about having such an opportunity. I hope they will improve in their school work and I would like to thank you so much for the donation”.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to The Bourke Family Foundation for their generosity and thoughtfulness in donating the solar kits. They will go such a long way in assisting students with their studies, and we are so grateful.
