Debre Birhan, Ethiopia is home to Wogagen School, a community-built campus providing innovative STEM education to local students. Known as “First Light” School, it serves 280 students from grades 1–12 and aims to expand to over 1,000 children while benefiting 4,000 residents of Chole Village.
Through the support of equipment sponsors including Sol-Ark and Rolls Battery Engineering, the school installed an 8 kW off-grid solar system in March 2024. The system utilizes XX Rolls 12-volt S12-160AGM-RE deep-cycle batteries for dependable energy storage, ensuring uninterrupted power for lighting, computers, projectors, microscopes, and power tools — essential resources for a modern STEM curriculum.
The installation, completed in partnership with Twende Solar, The Community Project: Ethiopia, and Engineers & Architects Without Borders, provides reliable electricity to support students, teachers, and the broader community.
The project delivers lasting benefits:
- Reliable electricity for 280 students, powering STEM labs, lights, and educational technology
- Community access to power for skills training, workshops, and events
- A sustainable model for growth, education, and economic development in rural Ethiopia
The school and surrounding campus are the result of a remarkable community effort. Built with hand-pressed bricks, a bamboo nursery, apple orchard, composting toilets, and a playground, the campus provides both education and economic opportunities for the community. Plans for a community center include a library, adult classes, health clinics, and spaces for celebrations and skills training. Recognized by the United Nations as a model for Ethiopia, Wogagen embodies collaboration and sustainability.
Rolls Battery Engineering is proud to support Wogagen School with reliable energy storage that has enabled this transformative solar system. By powering education, community development, and opportunity, Rolls helps bring light — literally and figuratively — to the students and residents of Debre Birhan, Ethiopia.
