Bakkunzi Eric, 17 a Congolese national studying at Kyangwali Secondary School in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement was previously unable to do homework in his home with no electricity, but after receiving the solar lamps, Eric is finally able to study at home.
“Before receiving the solar lamps, the learning environment at Kyangwali Secondary School was challenging, especially during night reading. The frequent power outages meant that we often found ourselves in the dark, unable to continue their studies,” Eric revealed.
Adding, “The disruption was particularly tough for those of us who lived far from school, as the lack of reliable lighting prevented us from attending evening classes regularly. Teachers faced difficulties organizing night lessons, as many of us could not attend due to the unreliable electricity supply.”
Coping with Limited Lighting
Eric noted that for them to manage night-time reading and study sessions, they had to rely on the availability of electricity. “Often, we would gather in the Senior Four (S4) classroom, which was the only room equipped with solar panels.”
This arrangement was far from ideal, as it was nearly impossible for all students to fit into one room for revision. The overcrowded space and the strain on the limited resources made effective studying a significant challenge.
However, all this changed for the better with the receiving of solar lamp from Windle International (WIU) with support from Book Aid International (BAI). Through this support, 330 solar lamps were given to Kyangwali Secondary School where students can borrow the solar lamps for their additional study time.
“The introduction of solar lamps has transformed our study experience. Night revision has become much easier, as we no longer depend solely on electricity. Even during power outages, the solar lamps provide consistent lighting, allowing us to continue our studies without interruption,” Eric said.
Additionally, “Solar lamps have made it more comfortable to revise, as we can now study in quieter environments without the distractions of a crowded room. They have also enhanced our safety, providing light for us to navigate the path from our sleeping quarters to the school, ensuring we can attend night lessons regardless of the weather.”
Another of the beneficiary’s is Emmanuel Agenrwoth, 18 years and a Congolese national as well who found studying a night quite difficult since the settlement does not have a reliable power source.
“Before receiving solar lamps, my situation was quite challenging. As a day scholar renting near the school, I struggled with a lack of light for studying and cooking. This forced me to leave school early to cook at home due to the absence of a reliable power source. When I needed to revise, I had to walk a long distance to the school. Life was difficult without proper lighting,” Emmanuel shared.
Emmanuel notes that studying at night was very hard and it affected is ability to keep up with studies.
However, the receiving of a solar lamp has changed everything for him. He says the lamps enable him to wake early in the morning (4 a.m) to revise his books. This he notes has made his life more manageable and studies more effective. “It has truly brightened my path to success,” he excited noted.
“The solar lamp also helps me navigate my way back home safely from school at night,” Emmanuel shared.
Tumushime Phionah, 17, is glad she was able to receive a solar lamp to support her during studies.
She says that before receiving solar lamps, the situation was difficult due to unreliable electricity. Without electricity, Phionah notes most of the learners at the school couldn’t attend night lessons, or study during the night.
“Many of us couldn’t afford torches or lamps, making it impossible to study after dark. Some students studied in dormitories with solar batteries, but this wasn’t an option for everyone,” Phionah shared.
With the receiving a solar lamp, this has made a huge difference in her life noting that she can now attend prep sessions and night lessons even when the electricity goes out.
“The reliable lighting helps me prepare better for exams. It has improved my ability to study and I am certain I will perform better in exams” Phionah noted.
Written by: Joseph Waninda
