Powering Laptops through Solar Power at Tumaini Academy
“Almighty God, grant Your people to love what You command and desire.”
Sololo, Northern Kenya
Our heart goes out to the students at Tumaini Academy in Northern Kenya! Like children all across the globe, their school has closed. Unlike many schools in North America, these children are unable to learn remotely. Their education has come to a standstill. So has their regular source of food. This week’s blog shares some hopeful news from a sweet partnership between these kids and children in Pittsburgh, PA.
Located in a remote area, Tumaini Academy does not have access to the electrical grid. Instead, they rely on solar power. The library functions as the computer lab. But with only enough solar panels to power one computer, the students were missing out on valuable instruction.
The kids at St. Stephen’s Church in Sewickley, PA learned of this limitation. Over a one week camp at St. Stephen’s, 200 children ages 5-11 were placed in fourteen different squads. Each squad competed in athletic competitions and good sportsmanship – and they also competed in generous giving! Most of the money raised was in small change, including $65 in pennies. Every cent made a difference!
“We loved the opportunity to share about real kids who are so similar in many ways to our own kids and yet live in such a different context,” explains Robin Turner, Director of Children’s Ministry.
Tumaini Academy was founded in 2012 and now enrolls over 300 students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Most of the students are from poor, under resourced families, many of whom are from nomadic backgrounds. The region is harsh and arid, with little infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Tumaini students graduate from primary school with an excellent education and many go on to top high schools in Kenya (for which they must compete to gain admission.)
The Bishop of Marsabit in Northern Kenya, Qampicha Daniel Wario, responded to the kids of St. Stephen’s: “This gift of love born out of Christian partnership in Gospel ministry is truly transformative and takes us to the next level in our aspirations. We are forever grateful for their efforts and gifts of love and highly appreciate all those who have been part of this edifying network of friends and partners in ministry.”
With the additional solar panels, the school has been able to power more laptops and lighting for the students.
Praise the Lord for this blessing!
Communities rely on power and so do families. In this era, it is impossible to thrive without light in the mornings and evenings. Children get ready to go to school and then must study at night. Parents must prepare meals and complete household chores.
ARDF sees the benefit of power both at the community and individual level. And this Lent, we are focusing on this basic need.
Many families without electricity will burn wood or use kerosene lamps, creating a fire hazard as they light their home. However, when families have access to safe light, kids can excel at school, parents can safely do household chores at night, and reduce the dangers of walking in the dark. For the children of Tumaini Academy, the XTorch is the perfect solution.
ARDF is taking donations for XTorches. They will go to churches overseas who will sell them to members of the community at a price they can afford. The church uses any surplus they receive to reinvest into their community. Families now have clean water or a source of light! At the same time, they have helped to fund projects within their own communities implemented by the local church.
What is an XTorch?
A family in Sololo receives one of the first XTorches in the region. They are beta testing the product to demonstrate to their neighbors how this flashlight will benefit their families.
The XTorch is a solar powered, incredibly durable solution to replace battery operated flashlights and cellphone back-up chargers. It provides light for 20-48 hours and can easily charge a cellphone with its built in USB port. The XTorch has three settings: flashlight, lantern, and table reading light. Purchasing an XTorch means that families no longer have to spend money on consumable fuel or operate dangerous kerosene lamps.
Join us at ARDF by supporting families around the world by giving them access to safe and affordably light!
Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
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