GHD Foundation and SolarBuddy expand partnership to tackle both energy poverty and educational inequality

GHD Foundation has expanded its partnership with SolarBuddy to support a new program that tackles both energy poverty globally and education gaps in Australia.

SolarBuddy provides solar-powered lighting systems and USB chargers to communities who live with electricity insecurity in developing countries.

The second year of funding from GHD Foundation will support SolarBuddy’s curriculum aligned STEM education program for primary and secondary students within 12 schools in low socio-economic areas of Australia. Participants learn about renewable energy, sustainability and innovation by assembling a solar light and writing a letter that will then be delivered to their “buddies” in developing countries around the world.

The funding is aligned with GHD Foundation’s mission to provide better access to science, technology, engineering, arts, & mathematics (STEAM) education and employment for under-represented populations.

“Providing access to energy, as SolarBuddy is doing, changes lives forever. At the same time, research shows the importance of enabling STEM participation for students in schools in low socioeconomic areas. A program that address both issues is a win-win for all participants,” says Jo Metcalfe, GHD Foundation Managing Director.

“SolarBuddy really focuses on education. We believe in the next generation, the children of the future that are going to grow up and change the world for the better,” says Simon Doble – Founder of SolarBuddy.