In the midst of Zambia’s ongoing loadshedding crisis, The Other Side Foundation School (TOSF) has taken a bold step toward sustainable education by installing solar panels—transforming not only the learning environment but also the lives of hundreds of vulnerable students.
Power Outages Disrupted Learning, Communication, and Sanitation
The school’s reliance on national electricity from ZESCO (Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation) made it vulnerable to frequent blackouts. As a result, classes that relied on electronic devices—particularly technology studies—were routinely disrupted. Teachers were unable to use computers, and visual learning aids like televisions were rendered useless.
Communication between staff and the school’s Directors, who live abroad, was also impaired. Teachers often had to leave their phones at nearby shops with inverters or solar panels just to charge them, paying a fee and risking theft in the process.
The outages further compromised student safety and sanitation. Classrooms became too dark for lessons, especially in winter, while water pumps stopped working, leading to blocked toilets, dry taps, and health hazards. Co-curricular activities such as yoga and “TV time,” vital for student wellbeing, were suspended altogether.
Solar Power Sparks a Turnaround
Recognizing the urgent need for a solution, the school’s Directors successfully sourced funding for the installation of solar panels. The donation was done by Mr. Kanapathy Lachemanan who passed away on may 1st, 2025. He had always supported TOSF’s cause and he wanted to make a significant donation before his demise. We thank his noble and generous contribution which has impacted numerous lives. The impact was immediate and far-reaching:
– Uninterrupted Lessons: Teachers can now use computers and other digital tools throughout the day.
– Safe, Secure Premises: Consistent lighting enhances night security, giving guards the visibility needed to patrol effectively.
– Improved Communication: Phones are regularly charged, allowing seamless coordination and administration.
– Restored Sanitation: Solar-powered pumps ensure clean water is always available for drinking and sanitation.
– Revived Co-Curricular Programs: Activities like yoga and silent sitting have resumed, supporting the school’s holistic education model.
Solar energy has not just brought light to our classrooms; it has brought hope to our community . Our students can now learn, grow, and feel safe no matter the time of day.
Supporting Sustainable Development Goals
The installation aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly those promoting quality education, clean energy, and good health and wellbeing. By embracing renewable energy, the school has become a local model for sustainability and resilience.
Call for Continued Support
While the solar initiative has brought immense improvement, the school continues to face shortages of essential supplies like desks, textbooks, and benches. We The Other Side Foundation are now calling on individuals, NGOs, and the corporate sector to help bridge these gaps.
This is a victory for green energy and inclusive education. We are deeply grateful to our donor with his family for their generosity and we invite others to join us in empowering the next generation.
Contact for Media Inquiries and Donations:
📞 +260 978253311 or +260 977415904