Solar Power Schoolbags For South African Children #SolarPower
In South Africa schoolbags are repurposed with solar power technology and given to children for free so they can have light to do their homework at night. via thenextbrandblog.com
The solar panel is embedded in a mason jar lid, and slides into a clear pocket on the outside of the bag. When the student gets home, they simply slide out the lid, screw it onto a glass mason jar, and enjoy a solar-powered lamp that can last up to twelve hours. Kamogelo told CCTV Africa, “It helps me a lot when there is no electricity because I take the lamp and use the lighting in order to read and do my homework.”
Ngwane’s company finds corporate sponsors to buy the bags, each worth about $20, in bulk, to distribute them to schoolchildren for free. She recounts how a student once cried upon receiving the free schoolbag technology. “And it was purely because she was so happy, and it’s not often that they also get gifts.” Teachers have reported that these bags are making it easier for students to transport their school materials to and from class, and the solar lights are making it so that more students are finishing their homework.
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