There is 24-hour electricity in the school, no shortage of water, and other systems now run smoothly. The solar-powered system provides enough electricity for 40 fans, 40 lights, security cameras, and computers as well as a tube well.
In short, Marwat points out, the solar system provides a happy and green environment to the students, an environment in which they are able to continue their education without any external hurdles and problems.
Marwat personally feels that the Rs400,000 price tag that comes with the installation is worth it, and encourages every principal to allocate school funds for it. “[We] face curfews, security threats and [this is a] ‘backward’ area. If solar panels can be installed here, it is possible in other areas of the province,” he adds.
School teacher Mr Dilshad agrees with Marwat and says that he was also delighted with the solar- panel installations — he, too, feels it has changed the classroom dynamics and environment for the better. “Due to the hot weather in the summers and darkness in the classrooms [due to blackouts] we were not able to teach properly,” he says.
“No drinking water was on hand, no greenery — which you now see in the school — was there, but after the installation of the solar panels, we feel at ease; thanks to the KP government and our principal … we resolved [this] issue,” he adds.
It’s not just students and faculty who appreciate this project — parents and residents do as well. Mr Fazalullah says that even though there is still no electricity in his area, going to school provides some relief for his children and now they can concentrate on their studies.
“The future of our children can be saved if the government continues to launch such plans,” he points out.
Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, May 22nd, 2016