Myanmar Karen: Implementation of training system for state staff on solar systems

2016.12.26 Mon 12:17

 

In Myanmar, access to national grid services is still limited to around 30% of the total population and the electric service is frequently interrupted by black-outs even in the big cities. In the State of Kayin(=Karen), the electrification ratio is still under 10%, one of the lowest figures in Myanmar.
 
In order to improve such a situation, especially in the public facilities, BHN has been installing solar power systems to eight high schools, three hospitals, one village well and other public places since 2013.
 

The State Government of Kayin is also actively distributing solar systems to private houses in the rural areas, however, they just give equipment without necessary information for installation, usage and maintenance. At the same time, the State staff do not have sufficient knowledge to teach villagers on the proper use of solar systems they have distributed. Such a situation caused too many severe damages and troubles with the solar systems.
 

For the purpose of nurturing the State staff in charge, BHN conducted educational courses in 2014-2015. The curriculum was designed to enable them to guide villagers on the proper use of solar systems, as well as on ways how to repair simple defects.
 

In 2016, BHN started an advanced course to train them on two tiers or levels: Solar System Adviser course (Tier-1) and Training on Trainers course (Tier-2). Once the students pass the examination for Tier-1, they will be awarded the title of “Solar Power System Adviser” from the State Government. On Tier-2, students are basically chosen from the Solar Power System Advisers of the preceding year expected to play the role of training future Solar Power Advisers.
 
By running these courses even after BHN has left, the State Government will have a sustainable system for fostering future Solar Advisers.
 

By Hirofumi Aizawa, Project Manager

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