Uganda: Solar Powered Internet School to host innovation summit
Uganda: Solar Powered Internet School to host innovation summit
Many of the forty African ministers, deputy ministers, and cabinet secretaries from thirty African countries meeting in Uganda for the 5th Innovation Africa Summit (30 September to 02 October) will get an opportunity to spend time in Samsung Electronics Africa's Solar Powered Internet School (SPIS) according to the company.
With the capacity to accommodate up to 24 pupils, the SPIS is a 12-metre renovated shipping container fitted with solar panels to power the equipment running inside. Among the educational gadgets inside the SPIS is a 65-inch large-format display screen, a teacher's laptop, Samsung notebooks, a printer, and fans to cool the container.
Samsung has revealed that meetings it will hold with delegates during the annual Summit will take place in the SPIS.
Abey Tau, corporate citizenship & public affairs manager at Samsung Africa says they are looking forward to showcase the SPIS which has already been rolled out in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and Mozambique.
"We are excited to be participating once again at this event and look forward to engaging with ministers and their delegations about innovations and solutions that respond to African problems. It is critical for Samsung not to have a blanket approach but rather tailor make solutions, and Innovation Africa gives us the opportunity to share insights with the different ministries and officials," Tau says.
Samsung plans to donate the SPIS to a local Ugandan school at the end of the Summit.
"The donation of a SPIS aligns well with our philosophy that technology and education go hand-in-hand. Projects like the SPIS are at the forefront of integrating ICT into Africa's education models and illustrate our commitment to innovation. We hope the SPIS positively impacts the people of Uganda and provides them with tangible solutions which will enhance the lives of learners – the future leaders of our continent," concluded Tau.
Education, ICT and Government leaders are expected to share insights on education, innovation and ICT skills development in Africa under the theme 'Developing Skills for 21st Century Africa' at the 2015 leg of the Summit hosted with support from the government of Uganda.