Denis Opudo
Power supply has been the main obstacle in the development of most African countries. Governments are looking for ways to improve the rate of power supply in their countries. The use of renewable source of energy is having the first priority. This is because it is environmentally friendly. Other countries in Africa have gone ahead to include the study of renewable energy into their school syllabus.
Gambia’s Ministry of Petroleum and Energy ratified the renewable energy entrepreneurship syllabus. This was done on 23rd February 2018. The syllabus will be used by secondary schools and vocational schools. Tertiary and higher education institutions across the Gambia will also use the syllabus. Moreover, it will only address common accepted criteria and standards. It will also cover knowledge and skills for small-scale and renewable energy sources. The syllabus is founded by UNESCO-NATCOM and UNIDO/GEF-5 in the Gambia.
Learners will learn basics installation, design principles, and case study best practices. This will be learned by tertiary, vocational and higher education institutions. It will be of the solar PV course. This will include the study of the likes of installation and maintenance of a small scale PV project. It will also include troubleshooting quality management and customer care. On the other hand, senior secondary school students will have a different course. Their course will work on developing motivation, interest, and sense of achievement in the study of the course.
Learners will also study how to develop the ability to describe and explain concepts. They will also learn about principles and systems. Furthermore, they will learn about processes and applications related to renewable energy technologies and entrepreneurship. Moreover, they will get exposed to various topics. the topics include including climate change, fossil fuel, and energy science. However, the main aim of the project is to introduce renewable energy in the school syllabus. This will help the future generation to embrace renewable energy.
It will ensure that people wholesomely understand the subject. The government will have an easier task in promoting renewable energy for national development. This is according to Lamin Camara, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Energy.
