We captured the experiences, challenges, and hopes of health workers, teachers, and students who will benefit from solar installations under the Solar Pledge East Africa Program—reflecting both the urgent need for reliable electricity and the promise of solar solutions.
At St. Peter and Paul Health Centre III in Pader (Gulu Diocese), staff explained how unreliable electricity directly affects patient care. “Microscopical examinations, ultrasounds, oxygen supply and vaccines all depend on stable power. When the grid goes off, examinations are interrupted and patients wait for hours,” says Sister Freeda, Medical Assistant.
Andrew Okello, the Lab Assistant, put it even more starkly: “When there is no power, we cannot save lives.”
Patients struggling to breathe, for example, cannot be provided with urgently needed oxygen. Generators are available but fuel costs are prohibitive, and stocks often run out. Reliable solar energy would secure essential services, reduce the burden of costly back-up power, and free resources for other vital investments in patient care.
At St. Claire of Assisi Vocational Training School in Lodwar, Sr. Molly and Brenda, Head of Finances, shared how their practical courses depend on electricity. “Hairdressing machines, laptops, even exams need power. Our current solar systems stopped working after six months due to incompatible components. Restoring them will greatly reduce our bills and allow us to continue training our students properly.”
Currently, the school is forced to rely on the grid — a service that is both costly and highly unreliable. Reinstating the solar system would not only ensure uninterrupted training but also generate significant savings. These savings could be for example be channelled into enhancing scholarships, giving more young people in need the chance to access vocational education.
The situation is similar in Adilang Secondary School (Gulu Diocese), where the lack of reliable electricity directly affects students’ learning environment. In the interviews below, Deputy Headteacher Akera Moses explains how limited power supply hampers the use of the computer lab, evening study, and even school security at night. He also shares how a functional solar system would greatly enhance the quality of education and opportunities for the students.
The Operation and Maintence training sessions conducted by the SPEA Energy Officers are already creating tangible impact. Kenneth Rubange, technician at Don Bosco TVET Centre, shared his excitement: “I now know how to care for our solar systems through regular practice – this will prolong their lifespan.”
In an appreciative speech at the end of the training (recording available here), he pledged immediate action at his institution: “Tomorrow, very early in the morning I am running there to do some basic maintenance”.
Another training participant, Lawrence Oyela, an intern from Gulu University, reflected: “Learning about renewable energy is a crucial contribution to creating awareness and supporting the transition to a sustainable economy.”
The participants’ expectations are clear:
These stories highlight how much is at stake – from uninterrupted health services to affordable vocational training – and how the project is already equipping institutions with the skills and knowledge to expand access to renewable energy.
Headline picture - medical intervention using torchlight - @ Missio München
Picture of training on maintenance of PV systems - @ horizont3000
