“Using a solar home system to turn on a light is one thing, using it to power education is taking this technology to the next level,” said Dr Amrit Chandan, CEO of Aceleron
Their successful partnership with Jirogasy, a Madagascan solar start-up company has enabled them to be well on the way to breaking down barriers across Madagascar and sub-Saharan Africa. Their shared mission is to positively impact livelihoods and advance green economic growth in East Africa.
Solar powered computers
The project is directed to deliver the Jirodesk 2- solar powered computers, to 10000 children per year across schools in Madagascar and East Africa; particularly intended for schools with limited or no access to reliable power. This, in effect generates a working team of engineers and battery manufacturers who will be able to service and keep up maintenance of the batteries.
The project is directed to deliver the Jirodesk 2- solar powered computers
Madagascar gaining an annual total of 2800 hours of sunlight, makes it the ideal location of enhancing digital literacy and solar power development. However, schools across sub- Saharan are caught up in the global digital divide where 89% of learners have limited or no access to computers.
As COVID-19 pressures teaching to be online, it defines the bold act that all communities across the world should be connected more than ever in order to develop transferable digital skills.
Developing transferable digital skills
Therefore, it is imperative that this project serves the opportunity to Malagasy schoolchildren to gain access to these fundamental tools and learn vital skills for their futures.
With the circular economy in mind, their EcoSol batteries power the Jirodesk 2 computers and are specifically designed for the developing regions. As a lead-acid replacement, the EcoSol is a perfect solution for any application needing a robust and powerful energy supply.
Localized circular economies
Their CEO, Dr Amrit Chandan explains how these computers can change lives, stating “Circular economy batteries can be the cornerstone of localized circular economies – wherever the batteries are, they drive the growth of skilled green jobs. This project is evidence that clean technology is about so much more than reducing emissions, it's about improving people's lives.”
Dr Chandan elaborates that, “Clean technologies are breaking down barriers in Madagascar and across Sub-Saharan Africa, from enabling education, to growing livelihoods and building economies. Thanks to advancing solar and storage technology, we can accelerate digital literacy and open up economic and job opportunities that were previously unheard of to many communities. Here, more than anywhere else, we are seeing the true power of the green revolution.”
