Deforestation
problem
Deforestation is a pressing issue in Uganda, due to the excessive demand for firewood, particularly in large institutions like schools, hospitals, prisons, and factories. These rely heavily on firewood for cooking and heating. To put this into perspective, a school with 1,000 students can consume about 30 trucks (equivalent to 7 tons each) of firewood annually. With over 17,500 schools in the country, the collective firewood consumption is a staggering 525,000 trucks (or 3,675,000 tons). The problem extends beyond educational institutions, as firewood is the primary energy source for cooking and heating in prisons, hospitals, factories, bakeries, and numerous other establishments. The rate at which trees are being cut down for firewood and charcoal far exceeds the rate at which new trees are planted, posing a severe threat to Uganda’s forests.
Our Innovation solution
Our school has taken a pioneering step by addressing this formidable challenge. We are the first school in Uganda to prepare meals for over 1,500 students without resorting to firewood. Our groundbreaking solution lies in the utilization of briquettes.
The process of making briquettes involves carbonizing bio-waste into charcoal, which is subsequently crushed using an electric crusher. Afterward, a binder, such as molasses, is incorporated, and the mixture is extruded into a cylindrical briquette shape.
After the briquettes are formed, they are placed in our solar dryer for about three days. The briquettes are carefully packaged and branded. They are made available for purchase to both teachers and parents during our Visitation Sundays through our market arcade.
Institutional briquette stoves are engineered for longed cooking sessions, With their unique design, they not only ensure efficient and consistent cooking but also contribute to environmental sustainability by utilizing briquettes as an eco-friendly energy source.
Briquettes are more than just an eco-friendly alternative. They come with a host of advantages.
They are cost-effective, burn longer, are smokeless (which is healthier for cooks), and, most importantly, they play a significant role in preserving our forests.
At Our School, students not only grasp the theory but also immerse themselves in the practical aspects of briquette production. They learn the entire process. They understand the importance of briquettes and the value they hold in addressing critical environmental and societal challenges.
By imparting practical skills like briquette production, we equip our students with the tools and knowledge they need to make a real impact, both within our school community and in the broader world. We believe in nurturing not just academically proficient students but also responsible, environmentally conscious global citizens.