Wupla Enterprise offered a 3-day training (8 – 10 October, 2020) to 26 electricians in tea factories around Thyolo and Mulanje with an anticipation that the trained electricians will be repairing solar lamps that are expected to be distributed to about 3,000 households of estate workers under Kuwala Project supported by Tata Consumer products, Eastern Produce, and Ethical Tea Partnership.

The goal of the training was to impart the trainees with knowledge and skills on repairing pico solar lamps. Objectively, the training workshop intended to(i) introduce learners to basic electric circuits; (ii) equip learners with basic knowledge of the science and operation of solar lamps; and (iii) qualify learners to repair and build the solar lamps in safe manner.

The training programme was segmented to presentations on theory behind solar lamps, practical sessions, individual assessments, and program evaluation. The presentations used interactive teaching and learning activities as well demonstrations as delivery mode whereas practical sessions encouraged learning through hands-on practice of each learner. The assessment was based on class attendance and ability of each learner to demonstrate understanding of solar lamp electric circuit and building of simple circuit of a solar lamp. In addition, the workshop provided the leaners with training manual for their reference and reading.