news release

Local students will learn hands-on science and engineering skills at Gifford Youth Achievement Center’s Day of Service event on Thursday, March 27, when they assemble 10 We Share Solar Suitcase kits. Each kit includes everything needed to build a stand-alone 12-volt DC solar power system. Once built, the solar suitcases will be sent to Kenya to assist schools in a rural community lacking reliable electricity. 

The experience is part of We Share Solar’s Solar SolutionaryTM Program, a unique STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) educational experience that combines solar education with real-world impact to engage and inspire students to become the next generation of Solar Solutionaries. 

Through its support of The Learning Alliance and We Share Solar, the Joyful Noise Charitable Foundation provides funding to build and deploy the suitcases. The Samburu region of northern Kenya is known for its national preserve and dedication to conservation and wildlife protection. Still, the local community faces unique challenges — including minimal infrastructure — which hinder educational opportunities. In collaboration with Save the Elephants and Ewaso Lions, two organizations focused on a community-based conservation approach, the 10 suitcases will be installed in local schools and community centers, providing sustainable energy capable of illuminating two to three classrooms per suitcase. The solar power systems will also offer crucial charging capabilities for mobile phones and tablets, enhancing education and communication opportunities for over 7,000 Samburu students, teachers, and residents.  

This Day of Service event is a collaboration of multiple partners: Gifford Youth Achievement Center, The Learning Alliance, We Share Solar, and the Joyful Noise Charitable Foundation.  

When: Thursday, March 27  3:30 – 6:30 p.m.  

Where: Gifford Youth Achievement Center, Gymnasium 
4875 43rd Ave.  
Vero Beach, FL 32967 

Who: More than 30 Gifford Youth Achievement Center students in grades 8-11  Curtis Webb, director of youth programs, Gifford Youth Achievement Center Angelia Perry, executive director, Gifford Youth Achievement Center Gigi Dekko Goldman, co-founder and strategic advisor, We Share Solar  Anna Gomberg, senior program manager for education, We Share Solar  Liz Woody-Remington, co-founder and chief academic officer of The Learning Alliance  Marie O’Brien, director of marketing and community outreach, The Learning Alliance 

Visuals: Students, teachers, and volunteers will assemble We Share Solar Suitcases.  
Activities involve assembling the kits, charging the suitcases, and testing their solar power capabilities, including powering light bulbs and charging electronic devices.  

Additional contacts: Gigi Dekko Goldman, We Share Solar, gigi@wecaresolar.org, 609-915-4224 Stephanie Nelson, Gifford Youth Achievement Center, snelson@mygyac.org Zabien Grochowski, Gifford Youth Achievement Center, zgrochowski@mygyac.org, 540-312-1824 

Related note: Florida, Texas, and California are among the fastest-growing states for solar installations. This Day of Service introduces local students to solar electricity and the STEM skills needed for this in-demand industry, which is experiencing rapid growth in Florida.    “Around the world, approximately 840 million people live without electricity, and 188 million students attend schools without electricity, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. It’s not an exaggeration to say that a simple solar power system providing clean, renewable electricity can change lives. We Share Solar engages students in a proactive, hands-on opportunity to make a tangible impact in students’ lives on the other side of the globe. We’re thrilled to inspire Florida students and plant the seeds of local and global citizenship through this exciting sustainable energy program,” said Gigi Dekko Goldman, co-founder and strategic advisor of We Share Solar.