Moyston - Moyston resident, Adam Merrick, will travel to Nepal in May this year and trek to a remote village to install a solar system in a small rural school.
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After completing a similar project at the Banasthali School 2011, Mr Merrick will again be teaming up with the NGO charity, Himalayan Light Foundation, to assist the remote school.
Remote villages of Nepal, without electricity, rely on old kerosene lights that produce poor light, toxic fumes and are a constant safety concern with accidental burns and fires.
Mr Merrick currently operates a 2kW standalone solar system on his off grid house, as well as an indigenous plant nursery, farm workshop and office run from another solar system.
Living with these solar systems is the inspiration for the promotion of appropriate technology for remote villages in Nepal.
Mr Merrick is also a committed amateur alternative technology enthusiast having also installed several solar projects on the farm.
The school Mr Merrick will be working with is Kalika Devi Secondary School (up to grade eight) in the Solukhambu District, off the Everest trail. The solar system will allow the school to conduct computer classes for students and the computer will then help in developing and keeping school records such as accounts, preparation of learning materials and for class tests.
The project will help to:
Empower and familiarise the school children with appropriate technology and help the school to begin computer education.
Increase efficiency in the school's official and administrative works.
The lights will help to conduct school meetings in the evening hours as well various village group meetings and training sessions, after school.
As well as staff and students assisting with the installation, Mr Merrick and the Himalayan Light Foundation staff will train village members in the operation and maintenance of the system.
"Most remote schools are only at primary school level, families that can afford it must then send children to boarding schools in the cities," Mr Merrick said.
"As this is out of the reach of most remote communities, this project is important as it will to help support a proactive school that offers a higher education in a remote area, to give students opportunities this education provides."
While Mr Merrick is covering all his expenses for travel, accommodation, as well as installing the system at the school, the project requires support from likeminded individuals, organisations and schools to maximise the contribution to the remote school.
To complete the system in Nepal approximately $3000 is required for components for the solar system.
It is hoped to cover the costs of the system with a number of small donations. Donations can be left at Hotondo Homes Ararat (next to the Post Office).
If anyone would like to assist or require more information (including banking information for donations) please contact Adam Merrick (business hours) 0458 965 333 (after hours) 0419 575 805 or at grampiansreveg@hotmail.com