Training at Sinandambwe
Category : News
We were lucky to have the services of our partner teacher Macloud to demonstrate to his peers at Sinandambwe Primary School how to use and care for the computers.
Giakonda Solar Schools
Powering Potential for Zambian Schools
Author Archives: wendyk
- 16th September 2023
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- 15th September 2023
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Solar power for Sinandambwe
Category : News
After a very bumpy off-road journey we reached Sinandambwe to find Muhunya Solar already busy at work running cables and fixing sockets.
We delivered Raspberry Pi 400 computers, monitors, a large TV and a router. Most useful of all is the Raspberry Pi 4 RACHEL server. This holds lessons, stories and videos to promote learning by teachers, pupils and the wider community.
- 13th September 2023
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Busy first day
Day one started with a visit to Miombo Beekeeping Cooperative which consists of 11 women and developed from our donation of two hives. We are looking to support them as they move to 12 and then 100 hives over the next year.
We also had a planning meeting with the Siavonga District Education Board Secretary and some of her team. She introduced us to the District Commissioner who is fully supportive of our work.
We even met the local Chief in the car park!
- 25th August 2023
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Conference preparations
Category : Training
We’re busy getting ready for a second physical computing conference- this time in Kafue. Following their successful event in May, Macloud, Farai and Francis will lead demonstrations on using the Raspberry Pi Pico to introduce pupils to coding and physical computing.
Delegates will learn to control traffic lights, buzzers and switches.
- 17th July 2023
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Paypal Giving Fund
Category : News
Help us continue to make an impact. Select us as your favourite charity and we could receive up to £20,000 in matched funding with PayPal Giving Fund through Give at Checkout via PayPal.
Visit https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/setfavorite-charity and search for Giakonda Solar Schools and select us as your favourite.
- 4th July 2023
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- 13th June 2023
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Physical Computing Conference
On 29th May our Zambian partner teachers held a conference at Siavonga Teachers’ Resource Centre. Thanks so much to presenters Farai, Macloud and Francis and to Bridget for all your help with organising the event.
After a morning of demonstrations of physical computing, the attending teachers were able to have hands on experience in a series of workshops. It was a very successful event which we hope to repeat again in other districts in Zambia.
- 3rd June 2023
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- 23rd May 2023
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Lifetime Achievement Award
Category : News
CONGRATULATIONS to Howard Kirkman on winning a Lifetime Achievement Award at yesterday’s Hub Cymru Africa Summit.
HCA said”Howard is co-founder of (@Giakonda) Giakonda Solar Schools, which offers solar power installations to schools in #Zambia, enabling lighting and infrastructure for computers.”
Howard said: “I am honoured and humbled to be receiving this award. There are so many others like me taking small steps to improve the lives of people in Africa. The achievements of Giakonda Solar Schools would not have been possible without the help and enthusiasm of trustees and supporters in the UK and the dedication of our partner teachers in Zambia.”
- 4th May 2023
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Developing RACHEL on the Raspberry Pi
Category : Training
Our trustee, Howard has been heavily involved in making the learning resources of RACHEL (Remote Area Community Hotspot for Education and Learning) accessible from a Raspberry Pi server. He was delighted to receive this endorsement from one of the developers at World Possible.
Everyone has appreciated the time you’ve spent on the forums helping others and sharing your advice. It has really helped bring a sense of community to RACHEL.
6 years ago I discovered the RACHEL project and decided to try bringing back support for the Raspberry Pi. I had just gone through a period of surgeries for vision loss and was unable to work due to complications. There were times where I didn’t want to continue, but you worked with me, encouraged me, and knowing that you and Giakonda were taking it into the world to be used motivated me to keep working on it. That ultimately lead to RACHEL-Pi being used globally and to me being hired by World Possible which has in turn changed many lives, including my own.
I want to say thank you for the all of the support over the years. Though we have never met, I have always been very proud to be a small part of the great things you have done for so many people.. .Please let your wife Wendy know that I am always available and would be honored to continue supporting Giakonda Solar Schools.
All the best,
James Kainer