By Ediri Ejoh

In an effort to strengthen a good and conducive learning environment for students, RETECH Foundation and its partners Energias De Portugal, EDP, have launched state-of-the-art facilities in three secondary schools in Warri, Delta state.

The schools, which are Delta Secondary School, Dore Numa College and Essi College 1 in Warri, Delta state, had their water systems upgraded, and ICT laboratories equipped and refurbished. A 9.2 kw solar system was procured and installed in each of the 3 schools. The solar system was connected to the school’s’ water systems, ICT and Stem laboratories, classrooms and admin blocks ensuring the schools’ have access to clean and sustainable energy and clean water supply. RETECH Foundation and EDP furnished the ICT laboratories and provided an ICT teacher in the schools to improve digital training in the schools.

RETECH Foundation founded in 2019 is saddled with the mandate of developing the youths through its three cardinal programmes, which include: mentorship, scholarship, and good citizenship.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on behalf of RETECH Foundation and Co-funders, the Chairman and Founder of the foundation, Engr Ronye Egborge, emphasized that the organisation provided solar systems for access to electricity, good portable water and ICT, to ensure improved health and quality of education in the schools.

He advised them to make good use of these resources to make their dreams of becoming stem specialists much closer to reality.

He added that “We completed the installation of a 9.2 kw solar system at Dore Numa College, DSS and Essi College 1 all in Warri, Delta State. The solar systems has been connected to the school’s water system, classrooms, administrative blocks, ICT & Science laboratories and sick bay.

“This milestone is significant as it ensures access to affordable, reliable, sustained and modern energy for about 4,300 direct beneficiaries in 2024 increasing to over 7,000 direct beneficiaries in 2028. The solar system will also allow direct beneficiaries reliable access to potable water, thereby improving their health and sanitation as well as allowing the beneficiaries to receive regular practical STEM training as well as improving the quality of education they receive.

“We would like to thank EDP for co-funding this project as part of the 5th edition of EDP’s A2E fund. We would also like to thank the Commissioner for Education in Delta State, The Permanent Secretary, the Ministry of Education, the Director of Schools, the Ministry of Education and the Management of three colleges for their roles in our achievement. Our thanks to Chinedu Ikemefuna, our Warri P2S coordinator for your commitment and dedication to ensuring this milestone has been achieved, safely.

Also, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in Delta State Mrs Rose Ezewu, lauded the development carried out by the foundation and its partners, adding that such a landmark should be emulated by all as education development remains a key in driving development in a given nation.