Solar power has become quite popular in Zambia as it offers an alternative to traditional energy production. To satisfy its customers though, it is important that service providers can install, manage and maintain solar installations properly. Therefore, the official launch of the of Fountain Gate Crafts and Trades School (FGCATS) on the 4th of November 2021 gains special importance. Green People´s Energy supported the official launch – for good reasons.
The opening of the FGCATS was a great opportunity to go public with solar power and the development of proper green services. Together, Günter Nooke, German Chancellor’s Personal Representative for Africa in the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and the German Ambassador to Zambia, Dr. Anne Wagner-Mitchell, visited the Fountain Gate Crafts and Trades School in Chongwe District, just outside the capital Lusaka. They officially opened Block 1 of the FGCATS on this 4th of November 2021. Green People´s Energy Zambia (GBE) supported the official opening. GBE is the official Partner of FGCATS.
Gelson Maluma and Sven Buchholz, Head and Vice Head of the school, guided the 30 guests and cooperating partners on a tour through the school. They visited Block 1, which contains classrooms and workshops, and the brick laying site outside the building. A mobile solar system which is used for solar training, gained attention. Finally, numerous technology grassroots solutions were demonstrated in the so-called low-tech garden. The Solar Academy is a special part, in which the school will train lecturers and technicians in solar energy applications under the Green People’s Energy project.
“To have a well-functioning and successful Solar Industry, it is very important to providing the right tools and to teach the proper skill sets when it comes to the use of solar application products”, Sven Buchholz underlined. This is why the school is very important. “FGCATS is a hands-on school that also works to help its students and professionals be placed in internships in various solar companies”, Sven Buchholz emphazised.
His statements were welcomed by the GIZ Water and Energy Cluster Coordinator, Peter Kammerer. He explained the focus of GBE in Zambia on educating solar professionals and equipping them with skills and expertise in the solar industry urgently demanded. “Therefore, the partnership between GBE and FGCATS is such valuable as they will become a key player in delivering the training content. Aditionally, they will work together to achieve the main goal of creating solar professionals in Zambia”, he added.
“Skills development will not only create more access to decentralized renewable energy but also create more job opportunities for individuals in Zambia. As a project, we continue to embrace our partnerships and hope seeing institutions like FGCTA open their doors to the public in future”, Peter Kammerer said.
