Pioneers light up Fatima secondary with solar power gift

30 years after graduating, the 1995 pioneer students of Fatima Secondary School have returned to make a lasting impact by installing a full solar power system to provide uninterrupted electricity for the school.

The initiative, funded entirely by the alumni group, cost nearly K30,000 and includes 32 solar panels generating over 3,000 volts. The system ensures the school can operate effectively during blackouts, improving learning conditions for both teachers and students.

Rebecca Palem, the female president of the pioneer alumni, said the donation is about giving back to the school that shaped them.

“We were the first to do Grades 11 and 12 at Fatima and the first graduates in 1996,” Palem said.

“We were disciplined, hardworking, and prioritized education. Now, we want to inspire the next generation by giving back to the school that gave us so much.”

Palem and fellow alumnus Antony Kurua expressed concern that today’s students are less industrious compared to their generation, highlighting the importance of dedication and responsibility.

“This solar power will provide constant electricity, allowing teachers to prepare lesson plans, tests, and examinations without interruption,” Kurua said.

School board chairman Fr. Andrew Falat, SVD, praised the alumni’s initiative, noting that the solar power will reduce operational costs and support better teaching outcomes.

The project was officially launched with a combined Eucharistic Mass, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the switching on of the solar system, marking a new era for Fatima Secondary.

The 1995 pioneers’ gift is more than just electricity but a symbol of gratitude, legacy, and hope, inspiring students and alumni alike to invest in education and the future of their community.