Samsung Zambia in partnership with mobile phone operator Airtel Zambia has launched its fourth solar powered internet school in Zambia as part of its Smart school programme.
Solar Powered Internet Schools utilises solar panels on roofs which power up ICT infrastructure and enable internet access in areas where electricity from the national grid is sometimes unreliable or even non-existent.
The solar powered internet school, valued at over K3 million, was installed at Kabweza primary school in Kafue district and is in addition to those already installed in Shiwang'andu and Kabwe.
The school is a 40 feet mobile shipping container which contains desks, a 65-inch electronic board, internet-enabled solar powered notebooks, computers and a WiFi camera.
Airtel Zambia is providing internet connectivity to the school as part of its corporate social responsibility.
The Zambian government has been slow in rolling out computers and laptops in schools particularly those in remote rural areas due to lack of funds and power from the national grid.
Minister of General Education Dr Dennis Wanchinga said there is need to electrify schools in rural areas if the government is to succeed with the provision of ICT education.
"The development of solar powered internet schools in rural areas is therefore key to the effective implementation of the curriculum on information and communication technology in Zambia," Wanchinga said.
Samsung Zambia Representative Kafutas Mulemba said the solar schools internet project will help pupils get acquainted with information and communication technologies.
According to Samsung, more than 50,000 students across rural parts of Africa have benefited from the solar powered internet schools, including in regions like Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana and Ethiopia.
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