Project: Sustainable Educational Opportunities for Children and Teenagers in Ibo

Country & region/location: Mozambique, IBO Island - Cabo Delgado

Category: Energy & Education

In Cabo Delgado and specifically in Ibo District, the average educational completion is significantly low. The ongoing armed conflict in Cabo Delgado since 2017 has put immense strain on the region's education system. With almost a million displaced individuals, including around 38,000 in Ibo District, the conflict has resulted in loss of life, violations of human rights—especially among women and children—and disrupted access to essential services. Nearly half of the health centers in Cabo Delgado have closed, and 43 schools and 104 classrooms have been destroyed.

To address these challenges, the IBO Foundation, in partnership with EKI Foundation, aims to implement clean, affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions in two pivotal community projects: the Nutritional Health Center and School for children under 12, and the School of Trades for teenagers and young adults. These projects, serving a total of 450 young children, 200 teenagers and young adults, and 150 women, aspire to bridge the educational gap and serve as models for similar initiatives in public buildings.

Despite having electricity supply, frequent and prolonged power outages in Ibo disrupt activities, sometimes leading to its suspension. Installing solar PV panels and batteries, along with providing on-site training and continuous monitoring, will offer a lasting solution to the persistent energy supply challenges faced by these centers. This infrastructure will ensure proper storage of perishable items like food and medicines, guaranteeing their availability. Additionally, it will facilitate uninterrupted classes, enable computer and internet usage, and provide means to charge essential equipment. Staff at both centers will undergo comprehensive training in operating and maintaining the solar installations, supported by a funding mechanism for unforeseen maintenance or operational needs.

This project serves as an experimental opportunity on the island to expand renewable, affordable, and sustainable energy usage to various sectors like street lighting, public schools, health services, agriculture, water, and sanitation. By leveraging renewable energy, these sectors can overcome energy challenges and foster a more sustainable and resilient future for the community.

Expected results:

• Reliable electricity supply for the School of Trades and Nutritional Health Center & “Escolinha”, and for three water pump system
• Enable the School of Trades to empower training (computer skills, electricity, business management, and literacy), to establish a business center to advise and support local entrepreneurs, and gender empowerment activities to enhance their livelihoods
• Powering medical equipment for the treatment of mild malnutrition in children under 5 years of age and facilitating the delivery of infant milk
• Enhancing Playful Learning Activities
• Improved Livelihoods and Self-Esteem

Impact (results)