BY LUSEKELO PHILEMON
1st December 2012
Driven by the limited number of experts in solar and wind power technology, an Arusha-based technological institute is set to come up with a special training package for local students to be able to install and maintain renewable energy facilities.
Speaking yesterday at the climax of the Open Door Week, the Kilimanjaro International Institute of Telecommunications, Electronics & Computers (KIITEC) principal, Onesmo Mtei said many individuals and institutions not connected to the national grid are using solar power or wind-powered energy for domestic and other uses.
“But we have discovered there are insufficient number of technicians to install and fix such equipment if a solar panel is not functioning well…so, we decided to come up with a special training package to increase availability of experts in this important area,” he said.
“But we have discovered there are insufficient number of technicians to install and fix such equipment if a solar panel is not functioning well…so, we decided to come up with a special training package to increase availability of experts in this important area,” he said.
Under the renewable energy program, KIITEC will train people in the sector and other interested ones in renewable energy technology, as renewable energy is on high demand in Tanzania and the rest of the world, he stated.
“In this program, experts in the technology from abroad will be coming here on a regular basis and teach trainers of trainers who later will train local technicians on running renewable energy facilities sustainably,” he said. “This is part of effort to enable the country to protect its environment as it is continually under threat.”
The project is supported by the Foundation for Technical Education (FTE), a Swiss non-profit organization, the Schneider Electric Foundation of Germany, French non-governmental organization ADEI and Power Technics, a sub-regional engineering firm, with support provided in providing experts and state of the art teaching facilities on renewable energy, the principal noted.
On the Open Door Day event, the college head said the event which attracted around 80 participants from within and outside the country was meant to celebrate the progress made in technical education in East Africa.
It also targeted the sharing of ideas on best practices to encourage practical, relevant and quality learning experience for students developing a career in technical fields, he further stated.
During the week, automation and electricity experts from Schneider Electric (France) provided three training modules to help pass on skills to local trainers. Other areas include industrial networks and communication.
“By inviting international experts, we aim to pass on the necessary skills to local educators and trainers to empower them to be capable educators and active members of the community.
Our approach is a student-centred and hands-on methodology to train skilled technicians prepared to succeed in their careers while significantly shortening the learningh curve when entering practical employment,” he explained
KIITEC is an international training centre educating skilled and competent technicians to meet the needs of local industries.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
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