Kyocera donates solar power generating systems to schools in Uganda

KYOTO, JAPAN: Kyocera Corp. is donating and installing solar power generating systems to 15 schools in the Republic of Uganda over the next five years.

The donation package contains 600-watt solar power generating systems including storage batteries that Kyocera will install in schools in Uganda. Each system will come with basic equipment to be used in educational activities, such as a TV and lights.

Kyocera will donate and install the systems in three schools each year over the coming five years, totaling 15 schools through to 2013. The first of such installations was completed at 3 elementary and middle schools in the beginning of September 2009.

The Republic of Uganda is located in the inner African continent just at the equatorial line. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, approximately only 20 percent of urban areas, and 4 percent of rural areas in Uganda are supplied with electricity.

A large majority of people depend on kerosene lamps or self-powered generators for lighting and electricity in the home. There is a continual need to improve the energy infrastructure to support economic, medical and educational government and public services. Solar power has great expectations to help meet these energy needs.

Furthermore, in Uganda where the adult literacy rate is 66.8 percent, it is vitally important to improve children's education for the future development of the country. Under these circumstances, the Minister of State for Industry of Uganda, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, toured Kyocera's Sakura Solar Energy Center (Chiba, Japan) in July 2007; and in November of 2008 sent two research students from Uganda for technical training in solar power at the Center.

With the donation of solar power generating systems, Kyocera believes it is meaningful to provide light for the classrooms and to power televisions and radios that can be used in the education of the children who carry the future of the country on their shoulders.

As a company with many years of experience in the solar business, Kyocera has great expectations for contributing to the future of Uganda and enhancing the quality of life for everyone.