Hunter high school students have built solar-powered lights to help brighten the futures of children living in energy poverty in Papua New Guinea.
The initiative is in collaboration with SolarBuddy and the Origin Energy Foundation, where 130,000 solar lights have already been distributed.
Origin Energy volunteers visited Hunter Sports High School in Gateshead and helped 60 Year 8 students construct solar-powered lights. The lights will help Papua New Guinean (PNG) students read and study well after the sun goes down.
The Hunter students learnt about the power of renewable energy and what it means to be global citizens. They also wrote letters to accompany the solar lights, becoming “solar buddies” with the PNG children.
Hunter Sports High School Principal Rachel Byrne said the program not only assisted disadvantaged children but showed the students how STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers could make a humanitarian impact.
“Last year when we ran a SolarBuddy session at our school, we had an overwhelmingly positive response from our students. They felt so proud to be able to do something for children less fortunate than themselves,” Byrne said.
“One of our students from Papua New Guinea, who was involved in the activity last year, was quite emotional that he could give back to his culture.
“We’re so pleased to be able to offer an activity that is so authentic and engaging to our students while helping them to develop empathy and introduce them to STEM in a compelling way.
“We thank the Origin Energy Foundation and SolarBuddy for giving our students the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of children living in poverty.”
Year 8 student Harry Beckett said it felt good to help kids who did not have the same opportunities. Other Year 8 students also felt proud of their contributions.
“It was a great experience to contribute to the learning of children in Papua New Guinea; they deserve to have the equipment to help them study,” Anika McCarthy said.
“It made me feel proud to create something that will possibly impact and benefit children so that they can have the future they deserve,” Tori Adamson added.
Only 6.3 per cent of the rural population in PNG have access to grid electricity, which severely impacts the educational opportunities for children.
The solar-powered lights, which are designed especially for children, enable them to study when the sun goes down and are easy to operate, charge and carry.
Origin Energy Foundation volunteering program manager Ruth Lee said it was rewarding to see the impact of STEM education on school students and how renewable energy technologies could make a real difference to energy poverty.
“We are pleased to support Hunter Sports High School students and help inspire more young people to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering or maths,” Lee said.
“With the introduction of SolarBuddy lights, children in PNG are not only studying 78 per cent longer, but their reliance on kerosene and other dangerous fuels has been reduced by 80 per cent.
“Since these fuels are also the single biggest expenditure for households, that money can now be spent on food, health and education.”
Hayley McMahon