Macrosolar in action: Sesheke district

I've been very busy since Christmas evaluating and targeting 17 schools for macrosolar installation. Our macrosolar systems use clean and renewable energy to light schools and allow students to work into the evening in an improved learning environment.

With just two weeks spent in the office since mid-December I have been adapting to life on the road, and with 74 dialects to decipher, this vast country keeps me on my toes. Indeed, as I travel from one location to the next each day offers fresh challenges from basic communication to the installation itself.

I am currently working with colleagues at Imusho School in Sesheke district. With a population of over 200 pupils and set in the heart of Sioma National Park, the lack of farmland and industry means that resources are few and far between. In fact, Imusho is one of the most rural schools I have worked with. A full two days travel from the nearest town Sesheke; this is where they must travel to collect resources such as kerosene for conventional lighting. Solar power will enhance the classroom environment and minimise the need to make this journey.

To put it in perspective, the 40km trip to Sesheke means an Ox cart ride to the Namibian border, hitching a lift to Katima Mulilo and a six to eight hour trip back into Zambia via the Zambezi River. Only then do you reach Sesheke town. The fact that it is the rainy season makes this journey all the more treacherous and exhausting.

We are all hoping to have a macrosolar installation operating in Inusho School very soon. In fact the next few months are going to be even busier, with 30 installations predicted by the end of May. 21 of these in Sesheke district alone.

More news when I have Internet access!

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