In an effort to promote clean and sustainable energy, New Era College of Arts, Science, and Technology joined forces with a local NGO, Mebala Youth Studios, to launch the "Mebala Goes Green" campaign. The campaign culminated in a small ceremony to officially commission the project on Wednesday the 19th of July at their center, formerly known as the Lady Masire Youth Center in Gaborone West.
The campaign involved the installation of solar panels at the "Mebala Youth Center,” in an effort to reduce their reliance on the grid for electricity and in the end reduce their overall costs on electricity. This collaborative initiative facilitated the reduction of carbon emissions but also provided invaluable hands-on experience to students from the Engineering faculty at New Era College.
The project was made possible through the generous support of the German Embassy, whose dedication to championing environmentally friendly practices aligns with the global need for curbing climate change.
The German Ambassador, present at the event, expressed the importance of green energy in tackling the climate crisis, "As a country, Germany recognizes the urgency of reducing carbon emissions and transitioning towards clean energy solutions. Our collaboration with New Era College and Mebala Youth Studios serves as an excellent example of fostering sustainable practices at a grassroots level. Through the 'Mebala Goes Green' campaign, we are not only promoting solar energy adoption but also empowering the youth to be catalysts of change through champions green energy in their communities"
Present on the day were various representatives from the solar industry who highlighted the significance of the project in terms of skills transfer and job readiness for the participating students. They acknowledged that practical training is a vital aspect of technical and vocational education, as it equips learners with the necessary expertise to thrive in the job market after graduation. The opportunity to work on solar installations alongside experienced professionals offers the New Era College Engineering students a unique advantage.
Director of Marketing and Communications at New Era College, Anderson Nlisana emphasized the institution's commitment to practical training as a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college:
"At New Era College, practical training lies at the heart of our educational philosophy. We believe that by exposing students to real-world projects like 'Mebala Goes Green,' we equip them with practical knowledge and instill problem-solving skills. This collaboration with Mebala Youth Studios and the German Embassy is a testament to our commitment to becoming a center for renewable energy research. It is also an opportunity for our students to contribute actively to the community by promoting sustainable practices."
The installation of solar panels at the "Mebala Center" not only brings tangible benefits to the community in terms of clean energy usage but also serves as an inspiration for other institutions and organizations to undertake similar green initiatives. The project showcases the positive impact that can be achieved when public and private sectors collaborate for the greater good.
By allowing students to actively participate in the installation process, the campaign not only enriches their educational experience but also nurtures a sense of responsibility towards environmental sustainability. It empowers them to take the knowledge they have gained in the classroom and apply it in real-world settings, fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious professionals.