(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Shaikha Fatima made a generous donation to each of the non-winning finalists in the Global High Schools category of the Zayed Future Energy Prize in January 2014.
Abu Dhabi — The Abaarso School of Science and Technology in Somaliland East Africa has announced that it has completed the first phase of its renewable energy project in less than a year thanks to the donation by Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak Mother of the Nation President of the General Women’s Union President of the Higher Family Development Foundation and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.
Shaikha Fatima made a generous donation to each of the non-winning finalists in the Global High Schools category of the Zayed Future Energy Prize in January 2014.
The Global High Schools category was established under the Prize in 2012 to fund projects which would accelerate the deployment of renewable energy in schools instilling an ethos of sustainability in young students around the world. As a finalist the Abaarso School of Science and Technology also received a generous donation from Shaikha Fatima. With the support of ARC Initiative an alumni organisation of Masdar Institute of Science and Technology the school completed the first phase of its renewable energy project.
Shaikha Fatima said “To overcome the global challenges of energy waste and water we face today we require innovative thinking and unified efforts at every level of society. The students of the Abaarso School of Science and Technology have demonstrated the value of clean energy to communities today.”
The donation was used to fund the material cost of Abaarso’s project to restore the school’s single wind turbine instal energy-efficient solar water heaters and LED lights as well as renovate the micro-grid electricity distribution system. The project will provide the school building with essential safe and sustainable electricity and hot water.
Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber Director-General of the Zayed Future Energy Prize said: “The Prize is proud to have enabled this inspiring partnership where a deserving school has benefited from trained sustainability experts to address its pressing energy challenges.”
ARC Initiative is implementing the two-part project over several stages. The first stage involved planning and repairs to the building structure between March 26 and April 1 this year. Six members of the team visited the school to make the necessary modifications for retrofitting the renewable energy technologies. Along the way ARC Initiative had to overcome many challenges from the harsh environmental conditions to the remote location of the campus.
The second stage involved the installation of LED lights and solar water heaters. These technologies are expected to reduce energy consumption by up to 20 per cent an estimated saving of 2kW at peak times. LED lights were installed on the school’s basketball courts and guardhouse. Four solar water heaters were fitted to the teachers’ accommodation. A key highlight of the project is the student’s involvement at every stage. ARC Initiative has taught the students the skills required to instal and maintain the equipment themselves.
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