Two African women invent a solar schoolbag

Two African women invent a solar schoolbag

Two young African women have developed a school bag equipped with a solar lamp. Designed from recycled materials, it allows disadvantaged students to do their homework in the evening.

Many villages in Africa do not have low-cost energy, but also sometimes have a total lack of electricity. In the evening, without light, it becomes difficult for students to do their homework.

In order to solve the problem, two young South Africans Reabetswe Ngwane and Thato Kgatlhanye joined forces to found the company Rethaka, which manufactures “solar school bags”. Colorful, they are bought by companies, foundations and individuals and are then redistributed to students from disadvantaged schools.

The 100% recycled “Repurpose Schoolbags” were designed from used plastic bags. Equipped with solar collectors, school bags exposed to the sun during the day will have their batteries full when it is time for children to do their homework. The creators explain that this system also allows students to return home more safely when it is dark.

© screenshot – Youtube

The invention is not only beneficial for students, but also for employment in the Pretoria area since the company already employs eight full-time employees. “They manage the whole process, from collecting plastic bags to delivery, including washing, sorting and assembling the” Repurpose Schoolbags “,” says Reabetswe Ngwane.

The two creators already intend to create other durable and functional products for the poor, but are currently focusing on the dissemination of the schoolbag in schools.

Source: http://www.levif.be