Amelo Technical Institute, a government-owned vocational training institution in Adjumani District, has received a Lytefire Solar Baking Oven and Solar Boiler in a move aimed at promoting renewable energy skills, improving school feeding programmes, and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
The innovative technology was donated by World Vision Uganda with funding from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland through World Vision Nordic under the ACLEP II Project.
The equipment is expected to strengthen practical vocational training in renewable energy while reducing the institution’s dependence on firewood, charcoal, and electricity for cooking and baking.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, World Vision Uganda Response Director Paul Mwirichia said the initiative demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to supporting vocational institutions with practical and climate-smart technologies.
“This support has been made possible through funding from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland via World Vision Nordic under the ACLEP II Project. We believe this technology will enhance practical skills, promote clean energy, and improve livelihoods through innovation,” Mwirichia said.
The Principal of Amelo Technical Institute, Dr Bernard Akol, welcomed the donation, saying the solar-powered equipment will improve practical learning while enhancing students’ welfare.
“Beyond skills development, the solar baking oven will support our school feeding programme by providing a clean and sustainable way of preparing meals for students. It will also expose trainees to modern renewable energy technologies that are increasingly relevant in today’s labour market,” Dr Akol said.
World Vision Uganda Project Manager Amos Okello said the equipment will also enable the institution to venture into commercial baking and generate additional income.
“The institute will be able to produce baked products for sale, creating an additional source of income to support training activities and improve the institution’s long-term sustainability. This is about making vocational training more practical and self-reliant,” Okello said.
Students welcomed the initiative, saying the technology will help reduce operational costs while providing them with hands-on experience in renewable energy applications.
Susan Ejok Mayak, a student pursuing a National Certificate in Electrical Installation and Maintenance, said the solar-powered oven will help address the high costs associated with traditional cooking methods.
“The solar-powered oven will reduce the money we spend on buying charcoal and paying electricity bills. It will also give us hands-on experience with renewable energy technologies that are becoming more important today,” she said.
Adjumani Resident District Commissioner Swaib Toko commended World Vision Uganda and its partners for supporting government efforts to equip young people with practical and marketable skills.
“This intervention complements the Government’s skilling agenda by empowering both nationals and refugees with practical skills. We want our young people to become job creators rather than job seekers, and innovations like this are key to achieving that goal,” Toko said.
The installation of the Lytefire Solar Baking Oven and Solar Boiler is expected to position Amelo Technical Institute as a model centre for green vocational training in Northern Uganda.
The initiative is also expected to promote clean energy adoption, environmental conservation, and sustainable economic opportunities among host communities and refugees in the region.
