Lighting Kalobeyei Secondary Schools one Solar Suitcase at a Time

Onoro Morris (right) narrating his experience in Village 1, Kalobeyei.

Onorio Morris: Digital Literacy and Solar Energy in Kalobeyei

Introduction: A Teacher and Changemaker

Onorio Morris is a dedicated teacher at Brightstar Integrated Secondary School and an active community changemaker living in Kalobeyei, Village 1. His passion for education and technology drives his role as a digital literacy facilitator for a local community organization. Onorio’s commitment to sharing knowledge extends beyond the classroom, as he actively participates in initiatives that equip youth with essential skills.

A Transformative Workshop Experience funded by F5

In 2023, Onorio participated in a solar kit training workshop organized by Resilience Action International that left a significant impact on him. The event gathered educators from various schools in Kalobeyei, creating a collaborative environment for learning and growth.

A key highlight of the training was the introduction to the solar suitcase. While Onorio had some prior knowledge of electricity, the workshop refreshed and deepened his understanding. He gained practical skills in installation, safety precautions, handling procedures, and real-life applications of solar technology.

"Before the workshop, I knew the basics of electricity, but this training showed me how solar energy systems work in practice. I now feel confident in both installing and maintaining them," Onorio shared.

Hands-on Learning with RAI

This workshop marked Onorio's first interaction with Resilience Action International (RAI), the organization that facilitated the training. While Onorio had worked with other groups in Kakuma and Kalobeyei, RAI’s practical, hands-on approach stood out. Participants actively engaged in tasks such as wiring a solar suitcase to illuminate a bulb. The second day of training emphasized safety measures, a critical yet often overlooked aspect in similar programs.

"Learning about safety precautions was eye-opening," Onorio remarked. "I realized that many accidents could be avoided if people understood proper handling procedures."

Secondary science teachers training on operating a portable domestic solar kit at Kalobeyei Youth center

Addressing Kalobeyei's Electricity Challenges

In Kalobeyei, where about 80% of households have access to electricity, maintenance and troubleshooting remain major challenges. Onorio recalled a month-and-a-half-long power outage in his neighborhood caused by a lack of skilled technicians.

He emphasized that empowering more young people with electrical skills could significantly reduce such delays, improving the community's ability to manage and maintain its electricity systems.

"We spent over a month in darkness because no one could fix the issue," Onorio explained. "If more young people had electrical skills, problems like these could be resolved much faster."

Comparing Power Systems in Kalobeyei and Kakuma

While Kakuma residents rely heavily on private generators for power, Kalobeyei benefits from a structured electricity distribution system managed by Renewvia. This company provides electricity through a prepaid token system and installs electrical poles and wiring for households. However, slow maintenance services persist due to a shortage of trained personnel. Onorio believes training youth in solar technology and electrical repairs could help bridge this gap.

A Broadened Understanding and Recommendations for Improvement

Reflecting on the training's impact, Onorio acknowledged that his understanding of electricity had evolved. Previously, he viewed electricity primarily as an installation process. Now, he appreciates the broader aspects of electrical safety and maintenance.

"I used to think electricity was just about wiring and connections," Onorio said. "Now I understand how crucial safety measures are in preventing accidents."

To enhance future training sessions, Onorio recommends extending the duration beyond two days and providing simplified handouts for better reference. These improvements would support participants with no prior experience and serve as useful guides for continued learning.

Areas for Improvement to Maximize Impact

While the training provided practical skills, Onorio emphasized the need for more follow-up sessions to track participant progress. Additionally, he suggested introducing mentorship programs where experienced technicians guide young trainees to reinforce their learning.

"Workshops like this are valuable," Onorio added, "but without ongoing support, it's easy for people to forget what they've learned."

A Vision for a Brighter Future

As a changemaker, Onorio recognizes that reliable access to electricity is essential for social and economic progress. He advocates for improved housing structures to ensure safe electrical installations and calls for expanding the pool of skilled technicians to meet the growing demand for electricity services.

With passionate individuals like Onorio championing innovation and education, Kalobeyei’s youth are better prepared to embrace technology and contribute to a more electrified and prosperous future.