ISLAMABAD: UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency has announced that it would solarize 125 educational and health facilities across Pakistan this year.
These solar systems will provide clean and sustainable energy, benefiting refugees and their host communities.
The facilities being solarized include 103 girls and boys public educational institutions, sixteen public health facilities, four vocational training centres along with other critical community infrastructure – delivering uninterrupted and affordable energy and improving access to essential services for Pakistani and refugee families.
The impact of the investment is already being felt as teachers report an increase in school attendance, including of girls students, as well as improving the overall learning environment.
UNHCR to Distribute, Install Over 34,000 Solar Home Systems
As part of this major endeavour, UNHCR will also distribute and install over 34,000 Solar Home Systems, in refugee villages in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, according to a press release.
These solar home systems, which are portable solar kits, power a fan and three lights, can charge a mobile phone and will have a transformative impact on families who currently have no access to electricity.
Over 300 solar streetlights have also already been installed in a number of remote refugee villages, transforming security and social interactions among refugees of all age groups, particularly women and girls.
