Augmenting STEM Education in Rural Sierra Leone

Hi! Our names are Luke, Chris, and Kai, and we are three University of Pittsburgh Student Researchers who came together to see how we can leverage technology to improve education in marginalized, off-grid communities . Using remote-learning software, our project aims to uplift students in rural Sierra Leone. Previously, we developed a method to transform a donated laptop and router into a learning server distributing a library of virtual academic content . Now, we are embarking on a pilot program to integrate this technology into Kabala village’s primary school. In this effort, we are partnering with WPSL (World Possible Sierra Leone: https://www.worldpossible-sl.org/) and a cohort of school teachers. From May 1st to June 5th, our trio will travel to Kabala with a bundle of donated laptops, tablets, and solar equipment. We plan to implement a sustainable energy system that provides teachers with tons of new academic content to utilize within the classroom. We expect structural and cultural barriers to arise along the way, but look forward to that challenge .

Although our team has won a few scholarships for this project, it turns out that building a series of solar-powered remote-learning servers can be quite expensive . The good news is, you can help! We are seeking additional financial support for our in-country travel and solar equipment.

If you are curious about our solar system or prototyped servers, check out the system diagrams page and for a closer look at the materials we are requesting, take a peek at our bill of materials.

Through your contributions, we can positively impact the students in Kabala and hopefully more rural communities throughout Sierra Leone in the future

Thanks for your support and consideration.