While in Uganda with Mission Link International, I visited The Hill College School, accompanied by Pastor Timothy Sentongo of Busanna Baptist Church. At that time the school had about 256 students but in their regular semester I was informed they would have around 400 enrolled. The school was under construction and in the process of adding more buildings.
The Headmaster (Principal) explained to me that the school was in much need of electricity and the best way to provide that would be through solar panels that would supply them with enough to possibly have a computer lab in the future for the students.
Solar power is obviously the best choice since there is definitely no shortage of sunshine in Africa. The only concern would be for the school to protect the solar panels from being stolen as crime is still a real problem, as in any society. Most solar panels can be securely installed on the roofs of buildings, rather than on a pole or other easily accessed object.
The Hill College School is a Government-Owned Secondary School in Uganda. The School is found in Buikwe District and in Nyenga Sub-County. You can see the area of the school on this MAP by clicking here.
While visiting Busanna Baptist Church, I noticed what seemed like light bulbs mounted really close to the metal roofing inside the building. But was surprised to learn they were actually plastic water bottles that were giving off such a bright light. I found an article on CNN's website that explained one of these bottles filled with clean water can almost produce 60-watts worth of light. This sheds a whole new "light" on recycling!
If you would like to help Mission Link International and it's efforts in helping Uganda schools like The Hill College School, you can make a tax-deductible donation here.
