It was an intriguing journey back to the physics class I left over ten years ago, as I embarked on making my solar lamp. After an interesting hour of putting together tiny cables, a bulb and a rechargeable battery, the lamp lit up and I was all smiles – just one of the many ways in which solar energy can be useful in our daily lives.
To communicate the growing need for renewable energy solutions, Greenpeace Africa hosted a youth solar training course from 1st to 8th October.
This training was set up to empower young activists and volunteers, giving them skills and knowledge of solar energy, as well as hands on experience on how to use solar-powered equipment like lamps, water heaters, cookers and parabolic dishes.
Greenpeace invests in such trainings as a way of helping South Africa deal with issues of climate change with the hope that these youth will pass on the knowledge acquired to their local communities.
There are a range of solar technologies that can be utilized to save energy and create green jobs. Empowering the future generation with such knowledge is a good investment towards the future of our country.
Greenpeace urges our country to pursue and further explore the development of a green economy. For instance, in a country where we experience sunshine almost all year round, investing in renewable sources of energy like solar and wind has the potential to create more sustainable employment opportunities with an increase of 78000 jobs by 2030 in the energy sector alone.
How can you get involved?
Call on our government to use the sun and wind more! Sign up at www.usememore.co.za to help us petition government to go the renewable energy way.