KIGALI, July 27 (Xinhua) -- From fashion design training to installation of solar power systems, Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is trying to bring hope to communities in rural villages in eastern Rwanda.
Under PolyU's "Green Home" service-learning project, students and faculty from the Department of Computing and the Department of Electrical Engineering, along with PolyU staff, members of the University Social Responsibility Network, and Hong Kong secondary school students and teachers, visited eight villages in Rwamagana District, where they designed and developed green energy solutions and installed solar power systems for more than 400 local households.
The service-learning project was launched in 2013, drawing on over a decade of experience serving the Rwandan community. It ran from July 15 to 29 this year.
Speaking at the closing event on Friday, Rwamagana District Mayor Radjab Mbonyumuvunyi commended the cooperation between Rwanda and the Chinese government that makes such initiatives possible.
"We appreciate the cooperation between Rwamagana District and Hong Kong Polytechnic University. This marks our third year working together to provide solar panels to vulnerable residents living far away from on-grid electricity," he said.
Mbonyumuvunyi said solar power will impact lives by extending working hours for businesses and education, as local students will be able to do their revisions at night. "Today, we are celebrating 420 households given solar panels, meaning no more darkness; they can continue their daily activities even at night. It is very interesting for us."
Alphonsine Mukakamanzi, a community health volunteer and one of the beneficiaries of solar power systems, could not hide her excitement.
"My phone could go days without power, cutting off communication with those who wanted me. My children could also not revise in the evening due to darkness. These will be no more. I'm very excited because I have been saved from darkness," Mukakamanzi said.
Like many other residents of the Nyakariro sector in Rwamagana District, Mukakamanzi's only source of lighting was a candle. "Because of the darkness, I could not tend to patients who sought health services at night. I asked them to return the following morning. But this challenge is now addressed. I merely tap on the switch on the wall, and there is light," she said.
Thanks to the project, about 2000 households in Rwanda have accessed power and radios over the last 11 years, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wang Xuekun said.
He noted the importance of radios in connecting villagers to the world and the importance of electricity in enabling students to study at night.
In addition to lighting up the community, the Fashion Innovation and Design Project was implemented by students and faculty from PolyU's School of Fashion and Textiles in cooperation with local villagers and young people with textile experience.
PolyU's fashion creativity was combined with local fabrics to design and create clothing with local characteristics. The finished garments were donated to disadvantaged groups in the area, promoting community care and inclusion.
"This year, designing encounters traditional Rwandan culture and produces fashion art. All these elements show hope for the future, connection with the world, and thus a better life," Wang added. ■
