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Success Story
USAID-provided solar
lighting makes night
study possible
Light Gives Students a Chance at Night School
Photo: IRG Ltd.
A night student sits diligently in class
while her baby sleeps on her back.
“When I put my glasses on, I
can see the board. Because
of your light, I can finish
high school,” said 11th grade
student Coper Duo.
Less than two percent of Liberia’s estimated two million rural dwellers
have access to electricity. Most rely on candles or small kerosene lamps
to light up their evening activities. But limited lighting impedes chores
after dark, prevents post-dusk operation of small businesses, limits the
ability of students to study, and contributes to poor security.
At Sanniquellie Central High School, this is no longer a problem. Night
School Principal Sylvester Gonquoi unlocks a closet and begins handing
out compact fluorescent light (CFLs) bulbs to his teachers. They, in turn,
head to their classrooms and screw in a bulb, signaling to the students
that evening classes are about to begin. A small roof panel powers the
bulbs and four solar street lights, located in each corner of the school’s
courtyard.
This solar system was provided through a USAID program with the goal
of expanding sustainable energy services to rural communities in Liberia
through a portfolio of alternative energy pilot projects.
Night school enrollment has increased by 24 percent since the solar
street lights were installed at Sanniquellie Central High School. Most of
the 900 night students have day jobs; some are mothers, who bring their
babies with them, or pregnant teenagers who are no longer permitted
to attend day classes. They come from the town itself and surrounding
communities, many walking an hour or more to get to the school. They
come in increasing numbers, according to Gonquoi, because of the
reliable electricity.
“When we relied on generators, we had serious problems. Fuel and
maintenance was so expensive. Once a generator was stolen. We just
didn’t have the money for regular night classes. The school was crippled,”
said Gonquoi. “The solar lights brought us great relief. Once people know
that we have consistent light for classes, they come every time. Women
come with their babies and they can do that now because they feel safe.”
The students are no less enthusiastic in their response to the opportunity
that night classes have given them.
“When I put my glasses on, I can see the board. Because of your light, I
can finish high school,” said 11th grade student Coper Duo. He continues,
“I am an elementary school teacher. My kids laugh that I teach them
during the day and go to school at night. But when I finish, I will go to
university. When I come back, I will be such a better teacher.”
Edith Dehmie , a widow, leaves five children at home when she walks an
hour and a half to class. “I don’t have the hand to do anything for myself
during the day. I run a small shop in the market and care for my children.
But I will now be able to finish my schooling at night class. Then I can
better help myself,” she said.
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