Bidimo primary school in Hora Kore kebele, Medawolabu woreda, Ethiopia, is leading by example. This school of 925 students (512 male and 413 female) has harnessed the power of innovation to transform the learning experience.

Previously, the school relied on a noisy and expensive generator for electricity. Frequent use was impractical due to the high cost of fuel (650 birr per liter) and the additional burden of travel to the woreda for maintenance. In fact, generator use was limited to a maximum of four times per month, at a cost of around 3,000 birr for fuel and maintenance.

The arrival of five, 200-watt Powerblox (PBX) solar units marked a turning point. These units provide reliable, clean energy, enabling teachers to utilize laptops and printers for improved lesson preparation.

But Bidimo isn’t just illuminating the classroom; they’re illuminating the path to a sustainable future. Through a series of innovative initiatives, the school is generating additional income to support its educational mission:

• Community power sharing: The school rents out light power units to 10 neighboring households for a monthly fee of 100 birr each, fostering a connection with the community while providing a valuable service.
• Mobile charging hub: Students, teachers, and community members can keep their devices charged with the school’s convenient mobile charging service (10 birr per charge).
• Local business partnerships: Two local businesses, a mobile maintenance shop and a DSTV house, rent electricity from the school for a combined monthly fee of 500 birr.

The revenue generated through these initiatives allows Bidimo to allocate funds towards essential educational materials like paper and printer ink. Previously, trips to the Woreda for printing were a necessity, adding further strain on resources.

The positive impact extends beyond finances. The reduced reliance on noisy generators creates a quieter learning environment for students and the surrounding community. Furthermore, with reliable electricity, the school plans to implement ICT (Information and Communication Technology) practical classes for grades 7 and 8. They also anticipate a rise in demand for adult learning programs and evening sessions – a testament to the transformative power of this innovative approach.

Bidimo primary school is a shining example of how resourcefulness and embracing new technologies can illuminate the path towards a brighter future for education and the community.