Kamabai Secondary School

• Donors: AusAID, BP Solar, Outback
• Location: Kamabai, Sierra Leone
• Date Completed: April 2011
• System Size: 1320 Watts
• Direct Beneficiaries: 1000
• Indirect Beneficiaries: 3000

In April 2011, Kamabai Secondary School's installation was completed making it fully functional again for the first time since the school's electrical infrastructure was seriously degraded during years of civil war. Kamabai is one of only three regional test centres for both the BECE (secondary school) and WASSCE (university) examinations, the standardised tests used in the Sierra Leone education system. The installation was driven by community contribution both financially, from revenue generated from the community charging station installed in March and through community participation in the installation - digging trenches and the earthing pit and assisting to lift the panels up onto the roof.

The installation provides study light for the school's evening classes as well as providing light for extra study time in the evenings. The installation now lights up 11 rooms, the lab, a chapel, a community library, outdoor security light and provision for the computers school hall and energy for computers in the library.

Since the installation the students, staff and Principal of Kamabai and Kamakwie Senior Secondary Schools participated in an evaluation of the solar installations and their impacts on learning Results indicated that the solar lights installed in the school have brought a number of economic benefits for the school's administration, teachers, parents and students alike, as well as increasing the safety and security around the schools and replacing the school's reliance on petrol fuelled generators. Staff and students expect the lights will also improve performance in the senior secondary and university entrance exams as students will be able to safely study in the school at night, where they have access to text books.

The system has been an exciting development for the students as the majority do not have electricity in their homes. “When we come to school and the weather and big storms are all dark we can go into the hall and continue our work”

UPDATE (September 24, 2011) – For the very first time in the 47-year history of Kamabai Secondary School, students have achieved a score on the nationally-recognized entrance examination (WASSCE) enabling them to continue onto university studies.  In fact, after capitalizing on the extra study hours permitted by EFO’s solar installation, a total of 10 Kamabai students have earned their place in university.  In addition, for the first time in the school's history, all 44 students received at least 1 credit, further indicating that the lighting has provided motivation for all.  Congratulations to all the hardworking Kamabai students!