The Mobile Solar Computer Classroom

Using solar-powered computers to teach computer skills in rural Uganda
2014 SEED Africa Award Winner Green Technologies Mukono, Uganda

Mobile Solar Computer Classroom brings all the equipment needed to provide lessons on computer skills to schools and libraries, offering a digital literacy curriculum delivered over the course of two years. The institutions pay a small fee for the training sessions, the majority of the funding comes from awards, partnerships and grants. 

The enterprise has two modified all-terrain vehicles equipped with solar panels, laptops, an internet router, a tent, tables and chairs. In using solar energy, it raises awareness of the benefits and availability of solar devices. Every year, the Mobile Solar Computer Classroom equips 5,000 students, 100 teachers and 500 community members with competitive computer skills. While doing this, it also educates its trainees in the benefits of using solar power.

Eco-Inclusive Impacts

Every year, the classroom equips 5,000 students, 100 teachers and 500 community members with competitive computer skills. It also educates its trainees in the benefits of using solar power and provides affordable lessons so trainees build the skills to enter workforces.
  • Equipping 5,000 students, 100 teachers and 500 community members with competitive computer skills each year.
  • Increasing the quality of education and computer literacy in rural communities, and building a skilled workforce for the future. 
  • Demonstrating that solar power can be used in communities without reliable access to electricity.
  • Encouraging the use of solar power, especially as an alternative energy source for things like lamps in schools, which are normally fuelled by kerosene.
  • Providing the opportunity for lower socio-economic communities to gain computer skills they otherwise would not be able to afford.
  • Building the foundations of a computer services industry in Uganda.

Partners

This enterprise is supported through its partnerships with various stakeholders, ranging from national and international organisations, investors, research institutes, suppliers, governmental bodies, NGOs, other social and environmental enterprises and more.

Maendeleo Foundation, a Ugandan non-profit organisation, owns and implements the Mobile Solar Computer Classroom project. It first piloted the idea in 2008.

Uganda Rural Literacy & Community Development Association helps the enterprise connect with and support libraries and schools in the West Nile Region that are in need of computer training.

Kikandwa Rural Community Development Organisation supports the enterprise in fundraising and sponsoring schools that cannot afford the services. They also contribute to the curriculum development and designing training delivery.

SEED Library

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Use this form to contact the enterprise directly. The submission of this form notifies SEED of your contact request.
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Asia Kamukama
P.O Box 828 Mukono
Mukono, Uganda
Tel: +256 791544770

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