Circle of Peace School
AHEAD began work with Circle of Peace School in 2009. Located in a suburb of Uganda’s capital city, Kampala, the School serves orphans and students of limited resources. Peace School serves as a model of how combining a number of energy systems can meet basic human needs in developing countries.
At Peace School, energy is needed to cook meals, to refrigerate food, to pump water, to heat water for the purpose of bathing, cleaning and laundry, to light classrooms and other areas of the School, and to run computers and classroom equipment. By installing sustainable energy systems, the School can increase opportunities for learning, improve the health of students and staff, relieve the drudgery that lack of access to energy entails, and set Peace School on a more secure financial footing. All this, while simultaneously safeguarding the environment.
At Peace School, energy is needed to cook meals, to refrigerate food, to pump water, to heat water for the purpose of bathing, cleaning and laundry, to light classrooms and other areas of the School, and to run computers and classroom equipment. By installing sustainable energy systems, the School can increase opportunities for learning, improve the health of students and staff, relieve the drudgery that lack of access to energy entails, and set Peace School on a more secure financial footing. All this, while simultaneously safeguarding the environment.
Solar photovoltaics
Peace School was formerly connected to Uganda’s feeble power grid, but the cost of electricity was very high. In addition, there were frequent power outages. In April 2009, AHEAD installed ten 120W solar panels, which are producing electricity to light the classrooms, the two dormitories, and the school yard; as well, as to run a small refrigerator and a few small appliances. In April 2010, an additional seven solar panels were added that provide electricity for the school office and additional classsrooms.
Efficient cookstoves
Prior to AHEAD’s involvement, cooking was done seven days a week, using nothing more than a pot on an open fire. Cooks had to squat on a dirt floor in a shed blackened by smoke. The primary cook – a young mother – often cooked with a baby slung on her back, exposing him, as well as her, to harmful smoke and pollutants. AHEAD arranged for the construction of a new kitchen and two twin-burner "Rocket Stoves" with chimneys that funnel exhaust outside.
Rainwater harvesting and water heating
At the time of AHEAD’s site visit, the School was purchasing municipal water at a very high price, including water to flush toilets. In June 2010 AHEAD built a water harvesting system so that rainwater can be used not only in the latrines, but for cleaning, laundry, and bathing. In February 2011 a second system was installed to provide water to the showers that staff and boarding school students use.
Working with the East Africa Energy Technology Development Network, AHEAD experimented with installing 200 liter tanks in the Rocket Stove chimneys so that water can be heated as food is cooking. Though some adjustments have needed to be made, the system is working. AHEAD is also in the process of having two solar thermal hot water units installed to provide even more hot water.
Working with the East Africa Energy Technology Development Network, AHEAD experimented with installing 200 liter tanks in the Rocket Stove chimneys so that water can be heated as food is cooking. Though some adjustments have needed to be made, the system is working. AHEAD is also in the process of having two solar thermal hot water units installed to provide even more hot water.
Energy curriculum
AHEAD Energy is working with college faculty and students to develop an energy curriculum for Peace School. The curriculum introduces the technical aspects of energy production and explains how the various systems installed at the school work and how to maintain them.
For more information about Circle of Peace School, please visit: www.peaceprimaryschool.blogspot.com.
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For more information about Circle of Peace School, please visit: www.peaceprimaryschool.blogspot.com.
Visit Photo Gallery