Principal Ethel Sedibe said the nine-year-old Kayalethu preschool had a dire need for electricity. "Being without it was consistently proving to be a challenging obstacle."
Siyafunda Educare is located at the edge of Rhobololo, where municipal power supply is non-existent, yet the sun always beams down happily upon this school and its 87 preschoolers. The solar power installation process took from Monday, September 29 until Saturday, October 2.
"Alternative energy seemed the obvious solution," explained Nicola Goodall, director of Knysna Education Trust who coordinated the installation. "Lauren Reynders of Naturally Solar was instrumental in helping us to understand the viability of solar power. She also compiled a list of requirements and put us in touch with the appropriate contacts."
The user-friendly installation, consisting of solar roof panels, a battery system and a main electrical supply unit, was installed by Gerhard Olivier of MLT Solar. In addition to excellent, cost-effective service and follow-up training for the teachers and principal, MLT also provided an electrical certificate, required for the registration process by the Department of Social Development.
"It's a dream come true," says Sedibe, who is excited to have a ready supply of electricity after so many years of going without. Goodall shares her enthusiasm: "This is a milestone project for us, being able to provide essential services in a forward-thinking manner which shows great care for the planet."
"With recent global media emphasis on the need for solar power, especially in schools (The Guardian, September 26, 2014 - www.theguardian.com/big-energy-debate/2014/sep/26/solar-power-schools-councils-spend-pupils), all residents of Knysna should be proud that Siyafunda Educare, under the guidance of Knysna Education Trust, is setting the trend for the future."
Goodall described it as a ground-breaking action. "This will truly make a difference for the future of our children."
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A complete solar power system was recently installed at Siyafunda Educare.
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