Pupils in Kronoberg sell solar cell shares for a better world

“The sun is the most environmentally-friendly energy source we have on this planet. It produces 15,000 times the energy we use for our industries, transports, and heating. When our pupils in the region sell shares for solar cells they contribute to a more climate-neutral electricity production and a sustainable development”, says Joakim Pohlman (S), chairman of the regional development board.

The education concept Maker Tour – Mot nya höjder has been working since 2014 to increase pupils’ interest in the natural sciences, technology, and mathematics. Pupils have been engaged in challenges on different topics: space, flow, motion – and now most recently light. The classes that have taken on the challenges have been awarded by the end of each semester. Maker Tour – Mot nya höjder now wants to turn this around and show that there is reward also in helping others. Therefore, Mot nya höjder provides energy will now be launched, which will give pupils here the opportunity to help pupils on the other side of the world.

The solar cells will illuminate classrooms

Pupils in Kronoberg will have the opportunity to sell shares in solar cells that will then be mounted at a school in Thailand. The solar cells, sold for SEK 125 a piece, will – literally – illuminate the classrooms, provide power for water systems, etc. The aim is that pupils in Kronoberg will contribute to a better schooling for their fellow sisters and brothers.

“I’ve been working a lot with this type of charity work before and I’ve seen what a tremendous difference it makes. It feels fantastic that pupils in Kronoberg now can contribute to a better world for pupils on the other side of the world”, says Tina Thörner, ambassador for Maker Tour – Mot nya höjder and one of the foremost women map readers in the world.

“The pupils get to contribute in a concrete way”

 “Mot nya höjder provides energy touches upon several of the UN’s global goals. We want to increase interest in the natural sciences, technology, and mathematics. Doing so through a concrete venture that reduces climate impact while also providing better schooling for children in other parts of the world is both pedagogical and important. We increase the pupils’ interest in environmental questions by letting them contribute in a concrete way. Through this venture, the pupils will gain an understanding of the fact that we live on the same planet and that environmental challenges are global”, says Christel Gustafsson, regional development director.

Maker Tour – Mot nya höjder is an education concept at compulsory schools and upper secondary schools in Kronoberg and Gävleborg that works to increase pupils’ interest in the natural sciences, technology, and mathematics. Maker Tour – Mot nya höjder is run by Region Kronoberg, Tekniska museet, Linnaeus University, and the County Administrative Board of Kronoberg. The sales of solar cell shares is administered by EnergyAid that will also put the solar cells in place in Thailand.

Contact

Marcus Brunnskog, project manager Maker Tour – Mot nya höjder, Region Kronoberg (through Marcus you can contact Tina Thörner)
Joakim Pohlman (S), chairman of the regional development board