Solar Powered Computers for Remote Villages

The Club continued with the Solar powered Computer project again this year with the focus on Vanuatu. The project is a joint effort between the College of Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Castle Hill Campus and Rotary.

 

The first installation for the year was in Sola, a remote island to the North of Vanuatu. It was in conjunction with Winston Hills Rotary Club. A team of teachers and students from TAFE visited the island and installed 10 computers and trained both the teachers at the school and the students. This time we did not have a solar expert and we approached a company in Riverstone who agreed to manufacture for us a “plug and play” solar system to allow us to install the solar system both safely and simply. What’s more, the Company did not charge us for the total system. Since that time, the Company, TriStek, has agreed to build and supply additional systems.

 

The second installation of 10 computer units was carried out in Hog Harbour, Espirito Santo in Vanuatu. Again, three teachers, three students and the Solar expert form Tristek assisted in the installation and training.

 

Presentations were made during the year on the system at several Clubs in the District (Winston Hills, Roseville, Hunters Hill and others) which led to donations of funds. We also applied for a District Simplified Grant which was of great assistance. We won a Pink Umbrella Grant at a competitive competition held by RAWCS. Additionally, funding was received to fund a student to visit Vanuatu for the installation and training. Funding also came from a number of other sources and is always gratefully accepted. The Club held several dinners which raised funds for the project. We also demonstrated the system at Sydney Olympic Park Youth Eco Summit where we used the system in a video conference with several overseas countries. The project will be demonstrated at the Rotary Convention in the Sustainability area.

 

The next major installation will be on Tanna Island Vanuatu in conjunction with The Rotary Club of Hall. Again, a great project which “Engages Rotary to Change Lives”.