Starehe Girls Centre scoops top environmental award

Jeckonia Otieno 19th Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT +0300

Starehe Girls Centre is the winner of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, Africa region.

The school was recognised for a proposed project to implement a rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system that will supplement the school's electricity supply.

Once operational, the PV system will reduce the school's annual utility bill by 20 per cent, allowing them to enrol an additional 10 girls in the upcoming academic year.

The school's achievement was announced at an awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Now in its ninth cycle, the UAE's international prize recognises pioneers in the field of renewable energy and sustainability.

Five categories

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His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, presented awards to nine winners across five categories.

The ceremony was attended by Heads of State and various dignitaries to mark the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the largest such gathering in the region.

Speaking after the ceremony, director of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, Dr Nawal Al-Hosany, said: "We are delighted to welcome Starehe Girls' Centre to our growing international community as the winner of the Africa region of the Global High Schools category."

In 2012, the Global High Schools category was launched as part of the UAE leadership's commitment to the UN's Sustainable Energy for All initiative and educating future generations about sustainability.

"We were impressed by the vision shown within their project proposal and the legacy it will leave for future generations. Empowering young people is critical to delivering a sustainable future, and we hope this school will act as a benchmark for others in the region to think and act sustainably," added Al-Hosany.

Completing its fifth year, the category has empowered 24 schools to incorporate renewable energy and sustainability into their schools.

Established by the UAE Government in 2008, the Zayed Future Energy Prize has recognised 57 pioneers from around the world.

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