Amber joins forces with Ethiopiaid and Hope Enterprises for transformative solar project

In collaboration with Ethiopiaid, Amber is supporting a solar installation project at Hope Enterprises’ rural Assosa school.  This partnership has been established to unlock educational opportunities and empower the 800 pupils attending the school in one of the most disadvantaged corners of the country. 

What is the project going to do? 

Assosa School currently rely on firewood for cooking, which contributes to deforestation and air pollution while demanding significant time, labour and expense. Also, inconsistent power supply continues to negatively impact water availability, school operations, hygiene, and productivity at the school’s 10-hectare farm.

As part of this project, we will be able to address these challenges by implementing a solar energy project to benefit students and staff at the school, it’s farm and the wider community.

This project will provide solar-powered: 

• Water pumps to ensure a continuous and dependable water supply for drinking, sanitation, and irrigation. 
• Cooking facilities to reduce reliance on firewood, improving health and reducing local deforestation. 
• Irrigation systems to support the farm’s agricultural productivity, ensuring food security and income generation for the school and community. 

Work on the project is expected to start in April and we will be sharing new updates and photos every step of the way. 

The power of partnership 

Andrew Walker, Director of Net Zero at Amber, explains: “We are so proud to support Ethiopiaid and Hope Enterprises in their mission to provide a brighter, greener future for the children of Assosa.” 

“By implementing this solar energy project, we will support Assosa to create an educational environment that is both sustainable and beneficial for generations to come.” 

Lisa Cousins, CEO of Ethiopiaid, says: “This is the first solar power project for our partner Hope Enterprises who have six other schools across Ethiopia providing quality education and training for children and young people living in poverty.

“Assosa is a challenging area to work in with frequent environmental shocks and security risks, and we are delighted that Amber have given their support to helping the school to improve their self-sufficiency and build resilience during times of crisis.  This project will bring so many benefits to not only the children at the school, but for their families and the wider community.” 

Tilahun, Headmaster of Assossa School, said: “Hope sends it’s sincere gratitude for the support of Amber and their vital role in making this initiative possible and the long-term impact it will have on the school and the community.”

The future 

As well as supporting Ethiopiaid and Hope Enterprises in Assossa, we’re excited to be launching a year-long partnership with The Turing Trust very shortly.  

If you’re an Amber client and would like to join us in supporting these fantastic projects, please get in touch.