KYOCERA Donates Solar Power Generating Systems to Primary Schools in Tanzania

His Excellency Mr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania (left), Dr. Kazuo Inamori, Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Kyocera (right).

One of Tanzania's most pressing problems is improving its educational infrastructure. In primary schools in particular, learning conditions are not yet sufficient. Kyocera – one of the world's leading manufacturers of solar energy modules – is meeting the challenge to improve conditions by lending its support with a package of donations.
Within the next five years, the company will equip free of charge four schools annually with solar energy generating systems. The package includes a 600 Watt solar electricity generation system and the storage batteries that go with it. In addition to the systems, each school will receive basic supplies, including a television and electric lights. The President of Kyocera – Europe, Mitsuru Imanaka, explains the programme, "We hope that electricity will improve the quality of teaching because the newest in media can be used."

Kyocera's commitment to electrifying rural areas began in the Pakistani village of Kankoi in 1983 and the Chinese province of Gansu in 1985. Parallel to that effort, a whole series of projects were completed. Among these were the irrigation of agricultural land, cold storage for vaccines, and providing electricity for medical facilities. In October 2008, Kyocera also plans to equip some 500 households in Tunisia with electricity produced by solar energy generating systems.

One of the pillars of the company's philosophy is contributing to better social welfare. Everyone involved in the enterprise takes part. After the earthquake in China's Szechuan province, Kyocera donated more than 500,000 euros for reconstruction and humanitarian aid in the effected areas. Of that, some 183,000 euros were donated by Kyocera employees.