Uniting Distant Stars Training Center in Liberia Converts 100% Solar
By Paul Ostrow, Uniting Distant Stars Board Treasurer
In the first part of February, the Uniting Distant Stars Vocational Training Center in Monrovia, Liberia, reached a major milestone by converting its training center to 100% solar energy. The “off the grid” solar project is a groundbreaking achievement for the training center, which receives funding and logistical support from a Minnesota nonprofit that goes by the same name. “Reliable and uninterrupted electricity is critical to the quality education and training received by our students,” stressed Kelvin Fomba, the chief executive officer of the training center. A recent United Nations report revealed that only 17% of Liberia’s urban and 2% of its rural populations are served by electricity.
“Establishing energy independence by capturing the power of the Liberian sun has been a central goal of our strategic plan since 2018,” stressed UDS Executive Director Heather Cannon, who visited the training center in October. In the project's first phase in 2019, UDS electrical students received training by assisting T and T Solar Tech in installing the solar panels. Completing the project allows the training center to discontinue using a diesel generator, much to the delight of students and staff. “We used quality materials and installed sufficient panels to produce 9000 watts which will provide UDS a long-term solution and sufficient capacity,” said Augustus Abiton, who completed the second phase of the installation.
“Minnesota and Liberia have a special relationship,” stressed UDS Board Chair Adam Pederson. “It is incredibly rewarding to see our students in Liberia thrive and for their center to be on the cutting edge of sustainability and economic empowerment,” he added. The UDS Board will update its strategic plan in 2023 and embark on a capital campaign.
