Big Give funding
With the support of our generous donors, 2018 has seen the installation of new 100KWp solar panels for the Sisters of Mary girls school in Biga, Philippines.
The project was funded by generous donations raised raised during the year together with the gifts to our Big Give 2017 digital appeal matched by the Coles Medlock Foundation. It forms part of the sustainability strategy for the Sisters of Mary schools.
The solar panels support greater use of clean, renewable energy at the schools. This helps to reduce the environmental impact of the schools by generating renewable energy onsite. Long term, this will be a sustainable source of energy for the school. They also realise operating cost savings (particularly with the electricity bill) that will help us make better use of donor funding for new school places for more children.
Long term sustainability
The 100 kwp capacity is composed of 328 units solar panels that were installed on the upper roof of the Gymnasium of the girls school. It is estimated that the installation of these solar panels will reduce the electricity bill by at least 10% which is a substantial cost saving for the school.
The project was carried out by SOLAR PHILIPPINES COMMERCIAL ROOFTOP PROJECTS INC. which has extensive technical expertise and experience with renewable energy and their solar farm located at Calatagan Batangas , with a capacity of 63.3 Megawatt, supplies the entire Western Batangas.
The project which started in May this year was completed in October and the panels had an official inauguration with special guests and overseen by Sister Maria Cho.
More blog posts
29/11/2023
Mt Iztaccíhuatl Expedition Updates
In December 2024, Enrique climbs Mt Iztaccíhuatl. You can read his updates on training and preparing for the expedition here
15/11/2023
UNSDG Blog
In September 2023, the UN reviewed its progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Over October, we reflected on how we work towards these goals within our programmes providing our children with the opportunities to escape from poverty and thrive.
26/10/2023
Tanzania programme visit 2023
In September, Nicola and Carey from the World Villages team travelled to Tanzania for the inauguration of the new boys’ school in Dodoma. It will serve to educate some of the most impoverished boys in Tanzania.