How My Students Turned a Challenge into an Opportunity for Innovation

In the rural community of Odeda, Nigeria, where electricity is a luxury rather than a constant, innovative students at Egba Odeda High School Junior are hard at work engineering solutions. The school has become a hub of innovation and creativity, with student-led projects such as “Household Appliances Innovation Powered by Solar” fostering STEM skills and knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while transforming the community through practical, eco-friendly solutions to everyday challenges.

The idea for the solar-powered household appliance project stemmed from the stark reality of unreliable electricity in Odeda. Many families struggle with frequent power outages, impacting their daily lives and well-being. The goal was clear: to empower students with the knowledge and skills to create sustainable solutions while addressing a critical community need. The vision was to foster a culture of innovation and environmental stewardship, turning our students into future leaders of change.

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Our primary objective was to develop solar-powered household appliances, such as torchlights, fans, and vegetable blenders, using discarded materials. This not only promoted sustainability but also encouraged students to think critically and creatively. The students were excited about the opportunity to work on real-world problems, and their goals aligned with ours: to make a tangible difference in their community and to gain valuable technical skills.

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Throughout the course of this project, I witnessed remarkable growth in our students. They have evolved from curious learners to confident innovators. The initial workshops were filled with eager faces, ready to dive into the world of solar energy. As they learned about solar panels, circuitry, and recycling, their excitement was palpable. The hands-on experience of designing and building prototypes ignited their passion for STEM.

One notable achievement was our participation on a Ciena Solutions Challenge Student Panel at the YouthMADE Festival in 2024. Our Young Innovators’ Club of Egba Odeda High School Junior showcased their solar-powered appliances, impressing judges and participants alike. This achievement was a testament to their hard work, creativity, and dedication. The project received the nomination of “Most Creative Use of Technology” as part of the YouthMADE Festival Community Awards, bringing pride and recognition to our school and community.

The journey was not without its challenges. One significant hurdle was sourcing high-quality solar panels and components within our limited budget. We addressed this through funding received from the Ciena Solutions Challenge Sustainability Award.

Another challenge was maintaining students’ motivation and engagement, especially during the more technical and tedious aspects of the project. To tackle this, we incorporated gamification elements and set up friendly competitions among the students. This strategy not only made learning fun but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.

Partnerships with renewable energy and installation experts also provided students with hands-on experiences that nurtured their ability to innovate.

During one of our workshops,, the technician demonstrated how to properly install solar panels and they configure the electrical system for maximum efficiency. So the hands-on session not only gives the students technical skills, but it also boosts their confidence and ability to innovate. It boosted their morale.

As we continue to expand the “Household Appliances Innovation Powered by Solar” project, we plan to establish an Innovator’s Hub in our school. This hub will serve as a dedicated space for students to further develop their technical and problem-solving skills, and we will be inviting educators, organizations, and individuals to support our initiative, whether through donations, partnerships, or sharing our story. Our project has shown that with the right guidance and opportunities, students can become powerful agents of change. By empowering future innovators, we are not only addressing immediate challenges but also building a sustainable and resilient future.

Below are several effective key practices and guiding principles for fostering a culture of innovation within our community:

1. Hands-on Learning: Practical, hands-on activities have been crucial in keeping students engaged and helping them understand complex concepts. By directly working on prototypes, students could see the immediate impact of their efforts.
2. Mentorship and Collaboration: Partnering with local technicians and renewable energy organizations provided students with expert guidance and support. This collaboration enriched their learning experience and broadened their perspectives.
3. Encouraging Curiosity: Creating an environment where questions and curiosity were encouraged helped students explore new ideas and think outside the box. Regular brainstorming sessions and open discussions were integral to this process.
4. Sustainability Focus: Emphasizing the importance of sustainability in every aspect of the project instilled a sense of responsibility and environmental stewardship in the students. They became more conscious of their actions and their impact on the environment.

• Register for the Ciena Solutions Challenge: Educators can register now for the Ciena Solutions Challenge. Through March 6, 2025, educators can submit student projects and apply for a $3,000 Sustainability Award. Have questions? Email us at cienachallenge@digitalpromise.org.
• Showcase student work at the 2025 YouthMADE Festival: The 2025 YouthMADE Festival will be from May 5-18, 2025. Sign up for our newsletter on youthmade.org to receive updates about the upcoming YouthMADE Festival.