Introduction
In rural India, electricity remains a luxury for many schools. Power outages disrupt learning, affecting both students and teachers in profound ways. A recent baseline survey conducted at five schools as part of Solar Village Project’s impact evaluation reveals the stark reality of education without reliable electricity. The findings highlight the urgent need for solar energy interventions to improve learning conditions and enhance educational outcomes.
Survey Data Analysis by Sophia Catsambis, Janet Mancini Billson, and Gary Haehlen
The Current Reality: Education in the Dark
The baseline survey collected responses from over 500 students and 32 teachers across five schools in the rural areas of the Lucknow District in Uttar Pradesh. Their insights highlight the severe impact of unreliable electricity on education. The survey underscores the detrimental effects of power outages on education. A staggering 65% of students reported experiencing frequent power interruptions at school, while 34% faced very frequent outages. Only 5% of students had access to a regular daily power supply in their school.
For teachers, the situation is equally concerning. Over 97% of respondents stated that their schools relied on grid electricity, yet more than half reported very frequent power cuts, averaging over 13 outages per week, each lasting more than four hours. These disruptions severely impact classroom instruction, attendance, and overall school organization.
Key Statistic: 65% of students experience daily power outages, and only 5% have reliable electricity at school.
The Impact on Learning and Well-Being
Students and teachers alike pointed to significant challenges arising from the lack of electricity:
- Dark Classrooms: Over 60% of teachers identified poor lighting as the most pressing issue, making it difficult for students to concentrate and engage with lessons.
- Excessive Heat: With power outages cutting off fans and water coolers, 15% of teachers noted that classroom temperatures became unbearable, leading to decreased attendance, especially in summer months.
- Interrupted Learning: Nearly 45% of teachers cited frequent disruptions to smart classes and digital learning, hindering educational progress.
Before vs. After Solar Power
Teachers and students predicted the probable impacts of solar power
Issue | Before Solar Power | After Solar Power |
Power Supply | Frequent outages disrupt learning | Continuous power enables uninterrupted teaching |
Classroom Comfort | Dark and hot classrooms | Well-lit and ventilated learning spaces |
Learning Engagement | Smart classes frequently cut off | Digital learning runs smoothly |
Student Attendance | Low on hot days due to heat | Improved attendance in all seasons |
Students and Teachers Agree: Solar Power is the Solution
Despite these challenges, there is overwhelming optimism about the potential of solar energy. An astounding 97% of students and 100% of teachers agreed that installing solar power plants would significantly improve their schools. Key benefits include:
- Uninterrupted Teaching: More than half of students believe that solar power would ensure continuous learning during school hours.
- Lighting and Cooling Solutions: 52% of teachers emphasized that solar energy would power lights and fans, creating a more comfortable and productive learning environment.
- Empowering the Entire Community: Beyond the classroom, teachers noted that solar installations could benefit entire villages by providing a reliable energy source.
Midline Survey: Tracking Progress
Following this baseline survey, we successfully solarized these schools, ensuring a reliable power supply for students and teachers. Over the next six months, we will conduct midline surveys to measure the impact of these interventions. These surveys will assess improvements in learning conditions, student engagement, attendance rates, and overall school performance. By continuously evaluating progress, we can refine our approach and further optimize the benefits of solar energy in education.
Conclusion: Investing in the Future
The findings from this baseline survey reaffirm the Solar Village Project’s mission to bridge the energy gap in rural schools. By installing solar power systems, we can provide students with the consistent and supportive learning environment they deserve. Education is the foundation of a better future, and with solar energy, we can ensure that no child’s potential is dimmed by a lack of electricity.
Be a Part of the Solution!
- Donate to bring solar power to more schools.
- Share this story to spread awareness.
- Partner with us to expand the impact of renewable energy in education.
Join us in bringing sustainable power to schools and empowering the next generation. Every light turned on is a step toward a brighter future.
About the Analysis and Survey Team
This survey and its findings were made possible by the dedicated efforts of the SVP India team, who conducted the fieldwork and gathered critical data from students and teachers. Their on-the-ground efforts ensured that the voices of those most affected by unreliable electricity
The data analysis was conducted by Dr. Sophia Catsambis, Dr. Janet Mancini Billson, and Dr. Gary Haehlen.
- Dr. Janet Mancini Billson is the Director of Group Dimensions International, a Professorial Lecturer at The George Washington University, and a Retired Professor from Rhode Island College.
- Dr. Sophia Catsambis is Professor Emerita at Queens College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY), specializing in educational research and data analytics.
- Dr. Gary Haehlen is an Organizational Development Consultant with a background in materials engineering.
Their expertise in educational research and survey methodologies provided invaluable insights into the impact of unreliable electricity on learning environments.
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