Tech Trends Bright Hands Solar Power Project Nigeria EdTech
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Inspiring Students with STEM

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The Bright Hands project in Nigeria is inspiring students to change the world using renewable energy and the power of education.

Technology and education are powerful forces for social change, and their deployment in the developing world can have powerful ripple effects for individuals, their families, and society at large. One example of this is the Bright Hands project in Nigeria.

This is an intiative coordinated by CAREforseven – a team of young professionals from Nigeria, UK, US, Kurdistan and Egypt  – who want to share their passion for STEM subjects and inspire students to further their education and use their ingenuity and skills to develop solutions to the challenges facing their communities.

Tech Trends Bright Hands Solar Power Project Nigeria EdTech

CAREforseven is a platform focused on solving sustainable development goal 7, clean and reliable energy. It is focused on equipping low-income students in energy deprived areas with the STEM skills to begin solving their own local energy problems.

CAREforseven is a platform focused on solving sustainable development goal 7, clean and reliable energy Click To Tweet

Tech Trends Bright Hands Solar Power Project Nigeria EdTech

The project recently hosted 50 students aged between 15-17 from Makoko and other impoverished communities in Lagos. These young people had the chance to spend a week hearing from engineering experts and technology entrepreneurs and work together with them in groups to design and build a solar charger. At the end of the week, each group pitched their solution in the form of a viable business plan to a panel of experts, who selected a winning team.

The project recently hosted 50 students aged between 15-17 from Makoko and other impoverished communities in Lagos Click To Tweet

Tech Trends Bright Hands Solar Power Project Nigeria EdTech

“It is a chance for these young people to hear from entrepreneurs and other presenters who have sought new opportunities and are working in industries and sectors that are focussed on helping to solve the many social and developmental challenges facing their community and country. Most importantly, it is a chance for them to tap into that potential I know they have. There is so much talent in these places, they just need the resources.” says Adaobi Adibe, founder of CAREforseven, who is currently studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering in the UK.

Tech Trends Bright Hands Solar Power Project Nigeria EdTech

There is so much talent in the developing world, they just need the resources in order to flourish Click To Tweet

Azuri Technologies, a pay-as-you go solar home solutions provider to off-grid homes, is one of the companies taking part in the project and providing mentors to support the students during their week of discovery.

In Nigeria, Azuri has been involved with a Government project providing power to 20,000 households in the north of the country. The Azuri Quad solar home lighting system includes a 10W solar panel, four bright LED lights, USB port and connectors for mobile phone charging, rechargeable radio and rechargeable torch.

In Nigeria, Azuri has been involved with a Government project providing power to 20,000 households in the north of the country Click To Tweet

Tech Trends Bright Hands Solar Power Project Nigeria EdTech

“Azuri is delighted to be part of a project that is inspiring young people to develop their interests and skills and we are always happy to share the experiences of our team in the field, working with communities across Nigeria,” commented Vera Nwanze, General Manager for West Africa at Azuri. “Here at Azuri we are committed to bringing solar power to off-grid communities, which also creates employment opportunities and is inspiring young people to start new businesses,” she concludes.

Tech Trends Bright Hands Solar Power Project Nigeria EdTech

Alice Bonasio is a VR and Digital Transformation Consultant and Tech Trends’ Editor in Chief. She also regularly writes for Fast Company, Ars Technica, Quartz, Wired and others. Connect with her on LinkedIn and follow @alicebonasio on Twitter.