Delivered by Engineers Without Borders Zambia and Engineers Without Borders Canada

The Challenge

In Nyimba District, Eastern Province, Zambia, reliable electricity has long been out of reach for rural schools. At Kanyena Primary School, teaching and administration were confined to daylight hours, students had no access to computers or internet, and teachers struggled to remain in the remote community. The digital divide between rural and urban schools continued to grow.

Recognizing that energy is a foundation for opportunity, Engineers Without Borders Canada and Engineers Without Borders Zambia launched the Engineering Brighter Tomorrows programme. Before the installation at Kanyena Primary School, Engineers Without Borders Canada and Engineers Without Borders Zambia carried out detailed technical assessments and energy audits at several potential project sites in Eastern Zambia, including Kanyena Primary School, Dambe Primary School, Chimphanje Rural Health Post, and Dambe Health Center. These assessments, supported by funding from Bentley Systems through Engineers Without Borders International, helped determine energy demand, infrastructure needs, and system design requirements. 

The findings confirmed that Kanyena Primary School required a standalone off‑grid solar energy system capable of powering classroom lighting, administrative functions, and digital connectivity infrastructure, and this informed the system design and implementation strategy.

Like many rural schools, Kanyena operated without electricity, limiting teaching to daylight hours and leaving students without access to computers, internet, or modern learning tools. This initiative set out to deliver renewable energy solutions that strengthen education, healthcare, and community resilience.

A Sustainable Solution

Partnering with local solar engineering contractor AZMA, the project installed a 12kW off‑grid solar photovoltaic (PV) system with 18‑hour battery storage. This reliable energy infrastructure now powers classrooms, offices, and staff housing.

In December 2025, a Starlink satellite internet system was added, enabling digital learning and remote monitoring of the solar installation. School leadership and district education authorities were engaged throughout, ensuring local ownership and alignment with education priorities.

The project has significantly transformed access to energy and digital learning at Kanyena Primary School. Reliable electricity now powers teaching, administration, and daily school operations, creating a more effective learning environment. 

More than 400 pupils have gained access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) education, while nine previously unused computers have been brought into service to expand digital learning opportunities. Teachers and staff can now charge devices, use electronic equipment, and communicate more efficiently with education authorities. Internet connectivity through a Starlink satellite system has bridged the digital divide between rural and urban schools, opening new pathways for online learning and collaboration. Improved living and working conditions have boosted staff morale and encouraged teachers to remain in the remote community, strengthening educational continuity for students.

Reflections and Lessons Learned