Over a
year ago, John Tembrock, a solar engineer from Boulder, CO, designed a solar system that would be installed on St. Paul School’s new school building, which
at the time was no more than a drawing itself. This week, John joined me here
in Uganda to watch his plans come to life! We spent most of the week at St. Paul
School overseeing both the electrical and solar installation. Despite a few
minor setbacks we were able to complete the system and test the connection
before John returned home. Fortunately, with just a few adjustments and 12
panels, 8 batteries, 24 light bulbs, and 45 meters of wire later, the entire
school now has light!
When we
weren’t busy with the solar project, we were in the classroom writing pen pal
letters with the students. This has always been one of my favorite projects so
I was happy to be able to share this experience with someone who has given
so much to the school. Fostering cross-cultural exchange is a critical element to
our successful relationships between our partner schools. Plus, the students just love getting their letters and writing back to their friends
in Colorado.
But it
wasn’t all work while he was here… on our last night at St. Paul, we took a 15
minute boda-boda (motorcycle) ride to a fishing port on the shore of Lake
Victoria and for $0.50 got a 20 minute boat ride with one of the fisherman
along the coast!
I am so grateful to have spent this week with such a hard-working, lighthearted, and compassionate person. This week wouldn't have been half as productive without his expertise.
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| St. Paul School Solar Array |
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| St. Paul School Solar System |
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| St. Paul School with electricity! |
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| The view from the front of the school building at night |
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| Pen pal letter delivery |
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| Pen pal letter delivery |
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| Pen pal letter writing |
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| Pen pal letter writing |
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| Fishing port at Lake Victoria |
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| Fishermen at sunset on Lake Victoria |
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