Solar powered internet school launched in Kyengera
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Education, Dr. Rose Nassali Lukwago tours the Samsung Solar Powered Internet School (SPIS) led by KERIS President Mr. Seog-Soo Han. The SPIS is built in a 12-metre purpose built container that can accommodate up to 24 pupils, and is fitted with solar panels that power the equipment. In addition it is equipped with an interactive whiteboard, Samsung Laptops, a printer, and fans to cool the occupants of the container.
A Solar Powered Internet School (SPIS) and an E-Learning Centre have been launched in Kyengera, a Kampala suburb, at Mackay College and Nsangi Secondary School respectively.
The SPIS is built in a 12-metre repurposed container that can accommodate up to 24 pupils, and is fitted with solar panels that power the equipment. It is additionally equipped with an interactive whiteboard, Laptops, a printer, and fans to cool the container.
The Samsung E-Learning Centre initiative is an integrated platform that boasts of a monitoring and controlling feature which allows teachers to keep constant track of educational content on their learners' screens. The screens includes screen-sharing feature, as well as real-time question and answer feature.
Speaking at the launch, Samsung Electronics Country Manager, Mr Amos Mulago said that the equipment will provide better knowledge transfer, learning and research opportunities for learners and teachers.
“we are keen to support societies and their communities in many different ways and these Solutions will provide better knowledge transfer, learning and research opportunities both for learners and teachers alike, as well as equip them with the necessary employable skills for the future,” he said.
Research done by the World Bank reveals only seven countries in Africa—Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Namibia, Senegal and South Africa—have electricity access rates exceeding 50 percent. The rest of the Sub Saharan region has an average grid access rate of just 25 percent, resulting in isolated communities with limited access to education and connectivity – both of which are key to fast-tracking a nation’s development.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Education, Dr. Rose Nassali Lukwago, who officiated the event on behalf of the Minister of State for Higher Education, Hon John Chrysestom Muyingo at Mackay College, emphasized that, “the Samsung solutions provide a holistic approach aimed at fast-tracking educational development and ensuring that the youth can participate on a global scale by exposing them to today’s innovative technology.”
