Dell has been a key partner in the development and deployment of the Solar Learning Labs, now Solar Community Hubs. Dell is committed to drive digital inclusion by donating funds, the technology, and support to Solar Community Hubs in hopes of building a digitally inclusive world through these community centers.
About the project
The Solar Community Hubs project was started in partnership with Dell Technologies in 2011. We built our first center in Lagos, Nigeria and then decided to build locally in South Africa from 2013. Since then we expanded the program by installing 16 new labs in South Africa, 2 in Kenya, 1 in Morocco, 1 in Colombia, 1 in Brazil and 3 in Mexico; this brings our total to 25 labs.
We have seen the impact this model can have in previous projects, it’s uniquely designed to bringing about change in difficult environments.
The installation of a lab provides access to technology for the first time and educational benefits, but beyond that, the installation of a Solar Community Hub is a message of inclusion and a force of change by connecting community members to the digital world, while offering additional services such as access to water and electricity which provide holistic benefits to the community they serve.
Our Objective
Our Objective
Provide technological infrastructure, educational services and further community services such as access to electricity, water, and healthcare, promoting biodiversity preservation and leading to increased economic opportunities.
Our Mission
Our Mission
To improve education and provide vital community services through technology, in areas where infrastructure and opportunities are limited.
"I can now confidently use the computer for various purposes and this has made me believe that I am not limited in any aspect of my academic life"
Emmanuel Okere
Student of State Senior High School, Lagos Nigeria
How do we Measure Impact
Our Focus Areas
WHY US?
ICT4D
WHY SOUTH AFRICA?
WHY MEXICO?
WHY US?
We’re one of the longest running ICT for development charities, and with projects across the world, we have a wealth of experience.
You can check out some of our previous case studies here
ICT4D
We believe that education and technology are a powerful way to fuel development. We work with in country partners to help adapt training to the local curriculum. The qualification we train the teachers to get is the International Computer Driving License (ICDL), which is recognised globally, with centres all over the world. In South Africa we use the Computer 4 Kids methodology to increase the number of ICT enabled schools. We believe this is the best way to build resources for a sustainable impact. Our commitment to our mission has seen us working in 9 different locations across the country identifying and addressing challenges particular to each case, assessing and improving the efficacy of our model and its impact, and providing long-term support and results-led lesson sharing.
WHY SOUTH AFRICA?
We have chosen South Africa because there is a national commitment to improving ICT for Education in schools but a shortage of training-capacity and equipment. Now, having proven the success of our model, we are aiming to set up a scalable Solar Power Learning Lab program in South Africa impacting 50 Schools in Mpumalanga or Eastern Cape provinces for the first time, training teachers and providing them with digital content which will be customised and aligned with the national curriculum. We will help teachers leverage technology to benefit the wider curriculum and monitor the effect on teaching and the student learning experience.
WHY MEXICO?
We have chosen Mexico because there is a growing skills gap between the public and private schools in the suburbs. Young people in Mexico have been traditionally served by the public education system and often don’t have access to new technology and ICT education. This access gap is exacerbated among lower socioeconomic classes, which seldom enjoy the tools and curricula offered by schools in more affluent areas. In addition, Mexico ranks last among OECD member nations in household access to broadband Internet.
The Lab Design
Double Converted Shipping Container
EQUIPMENT
Each Solar Community Hub is equipped with Dell Technologies computers and networking gear, designed to run on a thin-client network with minimal power needs. These products were selected for durability, long life, and energy efficiency. Equipment per hub can vary but generally include:
- 1-2 networking switch(s)
- Wireless Router
- Community Owned Wireless internet
- 1-2 projector(s)
- 20 laptops
- 1-2 server(s)
- 11-22 thin clients
- VMware Software
Solar Community Hubs will feature support from several partners, depending on location.