KwaZulu Natal, SOUTH AFRICA

Background

Over 16,000 schools in rural South Africa are without electricity. These schools have no photocopiers to make handouts for students, no overhead projectors to easily convey lessons, no electronic typewriters to teach typing skills, and certainly no computers--a tool becoming vital to careers in the increasingly computer-oriented global marketplace. Children educated in these schools are increasingly segregated by the infamous "digital divide."

Solar Education

In 1996, SELF began a project to bring solar electricity to Myeka High School, in Maphephethe South Africa.
Within the first year, the school was equipped with an overhead projector, two television sets, a VCR, a photocopier, a copy printer, and 20 computers marking the beginning of a new school experience for these youngsters. The enthusiasm in the school has been contagious throughout the teachers, students, and community. Teaching has become interactive using videos, TV programs, and overhead projectors to augment the learning experience. Students can now spend their time discussing topics and reading texts instead of hand-copying notes off the chalkboard. 

Outstanding Results

After receiving solar electricity at Myeka High School, not only did enrollment soar by 40%, but pass rates (the percentage of seniors who graduate with a diploma) jumped from 55% to 69%.

In a recent letter to SELF, the school's principal explained: "The equipment has had a huge impact on enhancing the culture of learning and teaching in our school. The excitement has rub off onto the learners. The school drop out rate has declined considerably over the past two years" (Melusi Zwane, Jan. 2000).

Wireless Connectivity

In January 2000, with the help of SELF, Principal Melusi Zwane had another dream evolve into reality: Myeka High School was connected to the Internet.
Teachers will no longer have to depend on expensive and scarce textbooks since the Internet provides unlimited access to current studies in topics such as science, technology, engineering, and medicine. The school's decreased dropout rate and increased enrollment can partially be attributed to the youth's expectation that the skills they will obtain at Myeka High School will make them more employable.

Quotable!

The success of the project is best summed up by the words of Samantha Dlomo, an 11th grade student at Myeka High School. She says: "Solar energy has brightened my future and it is destined to brighten the future of millions of others."

More Information

Click on the links below to learn more:
Full text of Samantha Dlomo's experience
Future South Africa School projects
Newsletter article about this project

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On September 9, 2001, the New York Times profiled SELF's work in South Africa, click here to read the article.