The Director of the school, David Matsiko, explained that the school day was often cut short due to seasonal low light levels. With no reliable electricity, the school relied on kerosene lanterns, which limited teaching hours and raised serious safety concerns for staff and pupils.

Our Trustees were deeply concerned by this and set out to raise the £1,400 required to install a solar power system. We were fortunate to receive generous support from The Priory Church of England School, where pupils organised sponsored activities that raised the majority of the funds. The remaining balance was raised through stalls at local summer fairs.

Once the funds were secured, installation work began immediately. Within the first week, electrical cables were run to all classrooms and chased into the walls to install proper switch points. In the second week, the inverter was installed and connected to the solar panels, classroom wiring was completed, and the system was officially switched on.

In addition to providing safe and reliable lighting, the new electricity supply has enabled the school to run a printer for the first time. This has allowed pupils to receive printed worksheets, exam papers, and other learning materials that were previously unavailable, significantly improving the quality of teaching and learning.

"Access to clean, reliable energy has improved both safety and learning at the school."