This ‘Slum School’ in Faisalabad produces its own electricity

In order to bring the light of education among millions of underprivileged children in Pakistan, social activist Rohayl Varind has setup a ‘Slum School’.

However, there was a problem that the school was facing. Situated in Faisalabad, Punjab, Varind's schools, which were set to offer night classes to the children, had no electricity, reported World Economic Forum.

The solution was solar energy, which the school gets for free, considering that the 'Slum School' runs on charity. Since the beginning when the school was kicked off in 2016 has relied on solar energy to power its lights, fans and information technology equipment.

“Where my Slum School is located, there is no electricity so I considered solar energy the best alternative,” Varind said. “It’s free and easy to install and use,”

The school, however, does not accept cash donation. Instead, it seeks stuff such as food, stationary and laptops and not surprisingly solar power-related equipment.

Speaking about his night school that runs from 7pm to 9pm, Varind told World Economic Forum that his Slum School mostly caters to child laborers, who only get time to study at night.

“They start working as house helps or maids. Many boys start working at paan [betel leaf] shops or tea stalls, cafés or restaurants as waiters or cleaners,” said Varind. “One thing is common in majority of child laborers is that they work the whole day and get free at night.”