Rwanda: Don Bosco Gatenga promotes formation in renewable energy reinforcing sustainable development

(ANS – Gatenga) – The Don Bosco Gatenga centre  in Rwanda regularly hosts intensive formation programmes on photovoltaic solar energy for educators and teachers in vocational training, with the aim of multiplying the impact of renewable energy in educational centres and their communities. These initiatives combine technological innovation, sustainability and educational commitment to respond to the region's energy challenges.

 The Don Bosco Gatenga Vocational Training Centre has established itself as a benchmark in technical formation, particularly in the field of renewable energy, for the entire East African region. Through programmes based on the formation for formators model, the centre not only teaches technical skills but also creates a network of formators who can replicate what they have learned in their respective countries and educational contexts.

 These formation courses are developed in collaboration with other Salesian Vocational Training Centres in the region, together with the German ‘Ingenieure ohne Grenzen’ (Engineers Without Borders) NGO and specialised technical bodies, with the support of international organisations such as the Austrian ‘Jugend Eine Welt’ NGO. The common goal is to strengthen local capacities and empower young people through vocational formation in line with international standards.

 The formation programmes offered combine theoretical content with an important practical component. The teaching staff is directly involved in the installation, testing and commissioning of complete solar systems, using technologies that are benchmarks in the sector.

 Vocational formation with a real impact and the latest technical developments in the sector

 The formation programme covers the fundamentals of direct and alternating current systems, the sizing of structures for residential and institutional environments, cabling techniques, safety regulations and hybrid and isolated configurations. It also explores mounting structures adapted to different environments and remote monitoring systems, which are essential for ensuring the performance and durability of the installations.

 ‘The aim of these courses is not only to install solar panels, but to train those who can teach and accompany other young people on this path towards sustainable energy,’ explains the Salesian responsible for these programmes. ‘We want every qualified teacher to become an agent of change in their own community.’

 At the same time, one of the cornerstones of these formations is their direct application in educational infrastructure. Participants install solar systems that power spaces such as dormitories, laboratories or classrooms, improving the energy autonomy of the centres.

 Solutions such as solar street lights are also being implemented in access areas to enhance security, especially in residential areas, and conventional lighting is being replaced with LED technology, significantly reducing the energy consumption of those communities.

 Transforming the way students learn and teach

 ‘Now we not only know how a solar system works, but we also know how to size it correctly, install it and troubleshoot it,’ says one of the participating teachers. ‘This transforms the way we teach and offers new opportunities for our students.’

 The collaboration between Salesian centres and international technical organisations reflects a shared commitment to sustainable development. The exchange of knowledge between European experts and African formators also promotes mutual learning and enhances the quality of the formation provided.

 Each edition of these programmes helps to consolidate a network of professionals trained to lead renewable energy projects in their respective countries, expanding access to clean and affordable energy solutions.

 The commitment to solar energy at the Don Bosco Gatenga Centre is part of an educational vision that responds to current environmental, social and economic challenges. Formation in renewable energy not only improves the employability of young people, but also promotes a more equitable and sustainable model of development.

 For its part, MISIONES SALESIANAS, the Salesian Mission Office based in Madrid, continues to support initiatives that integrate quality education, technological innovation and care for our common home, convinced that solar energy can illuminate the future of thousands of young people and their communities.