Solar power has transformed the way we work, study, and worship at the UCBC campus. One of the areas most impacted is the library. Before solar energy, UCBC’s diesel generator was only capable of powering 4 or 5 computers, while the other 33 in the library lab sat unused. The power supply was also inconsistent and unstable, depending on the availability of funds to purchase fuel. As a result, our library was underused and digital resources remained inaccessible to most people.

Now all that has changed. The UCBC librarians are quick to demonstrate the ways the library improved. Library attendance is up, the computer lab is full, and students are asking how to use research tools like the E-granary, UCBC’s new digital library with over 1 million articles, videos and book chapters. Teachers are also able to plan and facilitate activities in the library now that there is a consistent source of power.

Lwanzo, UCBC’s head librarian says, “Solar energy has changed how I view my work as librarian. My work has changed from book keeper to information broker.”

Beyond enabling student research, the library’s newly expanded capacity is now benefiting the community beyond UCBC. Recently, Lwanzo and students in his English class organized service-learning projects where they invited students from two high schools in Beni to teach them basic computer skills in English to our library.

By allowing more access to computer-based resources, solar energy has empowered a whole new way of learning at the UCBC library!

Please visit our solar power gratitude page to read and listen to students and alum share how 24/7/365 solar power has transformed their education and work experience.