Electricity Generating Playgrounds
Electricity is a luxury in Laos and the service can be intermittent and unreliable. Candles and the fuel needed to run generators are expensive so many children cannot read nor do homework after daylight hours.
An Electricity Generating Playground is an innovative concept that allows children to play on a swing, merry-go-round or zipline while simultaneously generating electricity for rechargeable lights and other amenities. It also serves as a working educational tool. Children can learn about scientific concepts such as electricity generation and centrifugal motion. The system will be built with the help and logistical support of Empower Playgrounds, another non-profit organization who have pioneered the concept in rural Ghana.
Photovoltaic Solar Panels harness the energy output of the sun and Laos is currently undergoing a solar revolution. As many communities live in isolated rural villages, access to the national grid can be difficult. Sunlabob is an award winning Lao-based company that provides solar system for both private, community and commercial use. We have been in contact with Sunlabob regarding the installation of solar panels to the roof of the school in order to help meet they’re energy needs alongside the EGP system.
This was to be the next phase in the project and it was hoped that this system along with the accompanying solar panels will allow the school to power the computer and some lights for the classrooms. However after consulting with the school administration it was decided that their were more pressing concerns that required our funding taking into account the relatively low cost of paying for the school’s electrcity. The Water phase will now take priority over the energy phase according to the wishes of the school.