Solar photo-voltaic energy system Project
Cerro Azul, Costa Rica
Partner - Canada SOS: Students Offering Support
The Situation
Cerro Azul is a remote indigenous community located deep in the heart of Costa Rica, formally established approximately 75 years ago.It is about 25 kms inland from Limon. The remoteness of the community, and being situated on a reservation, has left the members of the community without a reliable source of electricity.
There are currently approximately 45 students, ages 4-12 that are actively being educated within the community. These students have only had access to the basics for learning. Without internet access the teachers have limited access to the latest teachings and materials from the CR government. Donated laptops, projectors and educational tools have sat idle for years due to lack of power to the internet.
The Challenge
This creates a challenge to the community in several ways, namely increased reliance on the outside world (losing cultural traditions) and an inability to keep up with modern educational standards (computer based learning). The community contains approximately 125 families living throughout the foothills surrounding the “town square”. The ”town square” contains a school, preschool, church, nursing station, teachers house and a community centre.
The Result
CEF and other donors funded the materials for a solar photovoltaic energy system, and the satellite internet. And Cerro Azul was set up with electricity, and access to the internet for all. The community is beyond happy about the potential of education. They had a few “wow’ moments when they finally plugged in an old donated refrigerator and made ice, and with the simple act of having light bulbs in each room.
Bringing a (clean) and reliable energy source to the community sets the stage for long term success and independence in many ways:
Access to higher education (students would go off to high school only to return not knowing the most basic computer skills)
Students completing primary education and moving on to high school will have a greater chance of success now being “on par” with others attending.
Light and Power to use, charge devices, refrigerators and provide an opportunity for the community to gather outside of “sun up/down” windows
Removed the reliance and expense of having to run a generator (unreliable) for basic community events
Opportunity to build independence from the outside world through creation of small businesses and projects
