Since 2018, Energy for Refugees has been carrying out installation projects for photovoltaic systems in fragile areas of the world: Greece, Turkey, Lebanon and Mexico. With over 120,000 euros invested and 75 KW of installed power, the initiative has brought energy to schools, hospitals and training centers, improving the lives of thousands of people.
In 2025, the intervention focuses on Kakuma, a refugee camp in Kenya that welcomes almost 300,000 people fleeing wars and instability in neighboring countries. Here, where the primary need for food and water is intertwined with the need to build prospects for the future, energy becomes a determining factor in ensuring education, training and social inclusion.
What the project involves
The project involves the installation of solar panels at the training center run by the local association KI4BLI, which today often has to interrupt courses due to high costs and instability of the electricity grid. Thanks to photovoltaics, it will be possible to guarantee clean, reliable and long-term energy, reducing dependence on external sources and reducing management costs.
The energy will allow the regular holding of six-month courses in ICT –IT, Python programming and graphic design – aimed at refugees between 18 and 30 years old. The aim is to provide qualified skills and foster access to occupations in the digital sector, even in full remote mode, so as to retain young talent in Africa and offer them real opportunities for empowerment.
The beneficiaries
The project directly involves around 400 young refugees every year, who will be able to attend intensive six-month courses at the training centre. Indirect beneficiaries are the families of the participants, who will receive concrete support thanks to the entry of young people into the world of work, and the entire community of the Kakuma camp, which will be able to count on a sustainable model of inclusion, autonomy and renewable energy.
Project name: Energy for Refugees - Kenia 2025
Proposing organisation: One Hour For Europe
Area of intervention: Inclusion & Social Development
Country: Italy