The project began in 2013 with smaller Solar Learning Labs like this one in Colombia .
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In partnership with Dell , Computer Aid , Intel and Microsoft , the SCH was deployed .
SCHs are built in-country , supporting a circular economy by using refurbished shipping containers that would otherwise be scrapped . These structures use low consumption energy technology and solar panels as a source of energy . Once installed , the SCHs run on renewable energy . In the case of the Amazon location , sustainably sourced wood and furniture are also being used .
Access to computing power has opened up a world of opportunities for the region ’ s residents . Silva notes that the SCHs enable education through computer classes and access to online courses , as well as training for young people eager for new economic opportunities . They also provide telemedicine and health services to members of the community , in addition to offerings that meet site-specific community needs . And , as part of the FAS initiatives , they facilitate environmental training and monitoring , which encourages local community members to record and communicate information about forest use in the area .
THE TECH BEHIND THE TECH The SCH in Boa Esperança is one of 25 such facilities that Dell has helped create worldwide . There are locations in Nigeria , South Africa , Mexico , Morocco , Colombia , Kenya and Brazil . The project began in 2013 to bring skill development to underserved communities in remote areas .
Ruan Malherbe remembers working on the first solar project for a tiny village in South Africa . These initial locations began as Solar Learning Labs , which were essentially smaller versions of the hubs — though they still used the same solar concept to power computing — and were primarily focused on remote learning . “ These places are