Training provided at technical centers in 9 African countries

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Renewable Energy Center for West Africa (Don Bosco Solar) is a center of excellence in renewable energy and provides training at Don Bosco technical centers in nine African countries. Training is provided in Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Ethiopia*, Burundi*, Uganda, Togo, Ivory Coast and Guinea-Conakry. Don Bosco Solar recently graduated 21 trainees from the center in Ghana.

The ceremony was attended by parents, industry professionals and partners including the Ghana Association of Industries and the German Industry and Commerce in Ghana. Graduates highlighted the projects they have produced. Among these were a solar energy powered bicycle, solar extractor, air-conditioning and pumping machines, among others.

To date, 1,487 students have graduated from the program. Students can take courses in solar basics, professional and advanced levels. The courses aim to provide students a better understanding and hands-on practice in the different areas of solar energy.

Brother Christof Baum, technical director at Don Bosco Solar, said, “Energy remains the major resource to transform a developing country into a developed one. We use energy for cooking, light, communication, transport and industry. The Africa continent contains a growing share of the world´s population, with its energy mainly derived from woody biomass, petroleum fuels and electricity. These competing energy sources have impacted negatively on the environment.”

He added, “To reverse the trend of overdependence on fossils fuels, as well as enhance access to cheap and reliable energy, there is the need for the continent to diversify its energy sources. As a result, renewable energy technologies including solar, wind, hydroelectricity and biomass should be embraced to generate energy.”

While Ghana’s economy continues to improve, nearly 45% of the population lives on less than $1 a day, according to UNICEF. Rural poverty remains widespread in the dry savannah region that covers roughly two thirds of Ghana’s northern territory. Small-scale farms suffer from a lack of infrastructure and equipment, both of which are needed to shift from subsistence farming to more modern commercial farming which would yield greater incomes and a chance to escape poverty.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – 21 trainees graduated from the Don Bosco Renewable Energy Center for West Africa

Don Bosco Renewable Energy Center (Don Bosco Solar)

Salesian Missions – Ghana

UNICEF – Ghana

*Any goods, services or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.