July 10, 2026
During his recent visit to Guinea, our CEO and our team on the ground made significant progress on an exciting new initiative that will transform learning opportunities for the children at URBOND School in Koutaya.
The school, which was recently established by URBOND, is now fully operational and providing education to local children. However, one major challenge remains: the school currently has no access to electricity. Thanks to the generous support of URBOND Child Education partner, GRP Solutions, plans are now underway to install a solar power system that will bring clean, reliable electricity to the school.
This project will do far more than simply light classrooms. Access to electricity will enable the school to introduce computer lessons, opening up new educational opportunities and equipping pupils with valuable digital skills for the future.
During the visit, our CEO also held important meetings with government officials to present the project and strengthen partnerships that will help ensure its long-term success.
A key feature of the project is its focus on sustainability and community empowerment. Rather than relying solely on external expertise, five local electricians have already been recruited to take part in specialist training this October (2026). Delivered by a solar energy expert from the UK, the training will equip them with the knowledge and practical skills needed to install and maintain the solar panel system, ensuring the community can support the project for years to come.
While planning the solar installation, the team also carried out a comprehensive review of the school's overall development. This included evaluating day to day school operations, promoting good hygiene practices among pupils and working closely with parents to understand and overcome barriers that prevent children from accessing education.
To maintain high educational standards, assessments were conducted to evaluate both pupils' learning levels and teachers' performance, helping to ensure that every child receives a quality education. The team also reviewed the school's infrastructure, including the progress of the canteen and playground construction, to ensure the learning environment continues to improve.
We are incredibly proud of the progress made in preparing for this year's project. By working hand in hand with local communities and placing them at the heart of every decision, we are building a project that is not only impactful today but sustainable for generations to come.