Installation of a solar power system and a biogas operation began in May at Jane Adeny Memorial School for Girls (JAMS), thanks to record-breaking donations to Friends of JAMS through Give DeKalb County on May 2, 2024. More than 100 donors enthusiastically supported these environmental projects and scholarships, bringing $64,320 to JAMS.
JAMS founders Teresa Wasonga and Andrew Otieno negotiated with suppliers and contractors in early May, so they were ready to begin work immediately after the new funds arrived in Kenya. Installation was nearly complete at the end of May and testing is now underway. Both the campus-wide solar electricity system and the biogas system are expected to become fully operational in June.
The solar power system will connect new and existing solar panels on JAMS buildings to provide electricity across the campus. The lights will be on, refrigerators and freezers will keep running, and computers will operate as needed.
Kenya’s power grid currently delivers electricity to JAMS about 60% of the time, and its charges have continued to rise.
The JAMS’ system, funded by donations to Friends of JAMS, will operate 100% of the time and free of charge.
The solar control assembly pictured above operates the solar panels, wiring, and batteries, sending electricity to JAMS buildings and and storing power as needed. Teresa Wasonga reports that the system is fully functional and it works magically!
A biogas operation has also been installed. Using the components shown below, biogas will be created out of another plentiful resource: animal waste from JAMS cows, chickens, pigs, and sheep. Starting in June, this system will deliver cleaner and cheaper power for the bread ovens and cook stoves that prepare food for JAMS students and staff.
The biogas assembly is being filled with animal manure, which will decompose and then be converted to gas for cooking. This gas burns cleaner and hotter than the non-renewable fuels currently used in the JAMS kitchens. Thanks to the generosity of donors and to smart negotiating, JAMS was able to purchase new, energy-saving cookers that are fitted with gas burners. The new cookers are being delivered on June 1.
Friends of JAMS’ donors can already see an immediate return on their contributions. In the coming months, we will report results of these initiatives, which are increasing JAMS self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Anne Kaplan, President of Friends of JAMS, commented, “JAMS donors clearly understand the benefits of projects like these, both to the environment and to reducing JAMS’ operational costs. As importantly, the projects also give JAMS students a glimpse into the future they will help to shape by addressing environmental issues.”
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