Solar power system enables community activities

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries at the Don Bosco Community in Mansa, Zambia, recently installed a solar power system thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Salesians were able to install 12 solar panels, lithium batteries and inverters, allowing the system to provide stable and consistent electricity to the main priest’s house and adjacent volunteer house. Additionally, the new system ensures that nearby water pumps are powered.

The Don Bosco Community is home to five Salesians, two volunteers and two lay staff. There are also four Salesian sisters who come for eucharist celebrations as well as parishioners, teachers and students who depend on a well-functioning Salesian community.

Zambia is currently grappling with a serious energy crisis caused primarily by its overdependence on hydropower. This energy source constitutes over 85% of the country’s electricity generation capacity, but generation has dropped significantly thanks to persistent and extreme dry seasons.

As of early 2025, the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation announced load-shedding schedules in most parts of the country due to a generation deficit. This shortfall has affected both urban and rural areas, including strategic communities such as the Don Bosco Community in Mansa.

In Mansa, like many other districts in Luapula Province, the situation is exacerbated by limited grid investment and poor maintenance of transmission infrastructure. Power blackouts are frequent, unpredictable and prolonged. For the Don Bosco Community, this energy instability severely disrupts religious, administrative and community-outreach activities.

The Don Bosco priest’s house in the community is not only a residence but also a spiritual and logistical hub for pastoral care, youth ministry, education planning and hospitality. Without consistent power supply, critical functions like lighting, refrigeration, communication systems and security lights and alarms are constantly interrupted.

A Salesian explained, “We had been using diesel generators to help when the main power supply was out, but that was both costly and unsustainable in the long term given rising fuel prices and environmental concerns. Having an alternative, reliable and clean energy source that supports the essential services carried out by the priests has been a pressing need. The installation of the solar power addresses this while also contributing to Zambia’s national vision of integrating renewable energy into its development agenda.”

Father Francis Ndoda, a new member in the community, is one of the priests impacted by the donation. He is in charge of administration and the youth center. His passion for youth ministry in the community was challenged by lack of electric power in the community that affected prayer and community life. When the project was approved, he and the community were anxious to see this dream come true.

A Salesian added, “We all hoped that the system would meet the energy needs of the community and be able to restore community life. After the project implementation, we are able to do all the activities of the mission without fear of losing electricity and having constant interruptions.”

Looking forward, the community would like to improve the power supply to the school with a small solar power system. The goal is to power the computer lab in the school with a bigger backup system in order to enhance learning of technology.

Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Zambia

UNICEF – Zambia