Mobile Solar Computer Classrooms

The Classroom That Travels to the Learner

In many underserved schools, children learn about computers without ever touching one. Some schools lack electricity, internet access, digital devices or trained computer teachers.

The Mobile Solar Computer Classroom changes this by taking the entire learning environment directly to the learner. Our modified all-terrain vehicles carry laptops, tablets, solar panels, batteries, an internet router, a tent, tables, chairs and all the materials needed to provide practical computer lessons.

This allows us to reach learners wherever they are—even in communities without reliable electricity or permanent computer laboratories.

At the Heart of Maendeleo Foundation

Launched in 2008, the Mobile Solar Computer Classroom is our flagship digital-inclusion programme.

The programme was created to close the digital gap between well-resourced schools and schools where children have little or no access to computers and the Internet. Through MSCC, learners do more than hear about technology. They use it, explore it and discover how it can support their education and future opportunities.

The Model

How the Programme Works

Our mobile classrooms visit partner schools throughout the school term on a scheduled rotation. Maendeleo Foundation provides everything needed:

Hardware & Power

Solar-powered digital learning equipment, laptops, and tablets.

Connectivity

Internet connectivity and curated offline learning resources.

Expert Instruction

Trained computer facilitators delivering age-appropriate lessons.

Quality Assurance

Practical exercises, equipment maintenance, and progress reports.

The digital-literacy curriculum is delivered over two years, while partnerships with schools may continue for up to five years. Schools make an affordable contribution towards the training sessions. Most programme costs are supported through grants, awards, donations and partnerships.

Learning for Every Age

Our lessons are designed around the age, ability and learning needs of each child.

Ages 3–9

Elementary Learners

Younger learners use tablets, educational applications, games and puzzles to develop early literacy and foundational digital skills.

✓ Identify and use digital devices
✓ Develop basic mouse, touch and keyboard skills
✓ Recognise letters, numbers, colours and shapes
✓ Use educational applications
✓ Follow simple digital instructions
✓ Learn through interactive games and activities

Ages 10–14

Intermediate Learners

Older learners use laptops to build practical computer skills that support their education and prepare them for a digital future.

✓ Computer basics and keyboard skills
✓ Typing and word processing
✓ File and folder management
✓ Digital research and Safe internet use
✓ Email and online communication
✓ Spreadsheets and digital productivity
✓ Coding and digital creativity

The learning software accommodates different abilities, allowing learners to progress at their own pace. Interactive games and familiar images make lessons enjoyable, practical and memorable.

More Than Computer Lessons

The Mobile Solar Computer Classroom introduces learners to the opportunities created by technology.

Students gain the confidence to use computers for learning, research, communication and creative expression. Teachers learn how to find educational resources, prepare teaching materials and connect with other educators.

Because the classrooms are powered by solar energy, the programme also demonstrates how clean energy can help communities overcome infrastructure challenges.

Every visit introduces learners to two powerful tools for the future: digital technology and renewable energy.

Our Impact

Since 2008, Mobile Solar Computer Classrooms have introduced tens of thousands of learners, teachers and community members to practical digital skills.

80k+

Learners Reached

Mobile Classrooms

1,000s

First-Time Users

The programme has helped teachers use the Internet for research, improve their teaching materials and connect their schools with learning partners outside Uganda. For many participants, an MSCC lesson is their first opportunity to touch a computer, access the Internet or imagine themselves participating in the digital economy.

Who We Serve

The programme primarily works with:

Nursery and primary-school learners
Teachers and school administrators
Rural and low-income schools
Libraries and community learning spaces
Young people with limited access to technology
Community members experiencing computers for the first time

The School Programme runs throughout the academic year, while community training is delivered through scheduled outreach activities and special projects.

From First Access to Lasting Change

The Mobile Solar Computer Classroom provides schools with an entry point into digital education.

Through the Connect Schools vision, Maendeleo Foundation is working towards helping schools develop permanent computer laboratories, improve internet access and integrate digital learning into everyday education.

Our goal is not simply to deliver occasional computer lessons. We want schools to build the skills, systems and infrastructure needed to provide digital learning for generations of students.

Partner With Us

Schools do not need to wait until they can afford a fully equipped computer laboratory.

By partnering with Maendeleo Foundation, schools can give their learners access to practical digital education through a flexible, solar-powered and professionally managed programme.

We welcome partnerships with:

Nursery and primary schools
School networks & associations
Government institutions
Companies & corporate foundations
Development & tech organisations
Individual donors and supporters

Bring MSCC to Your School Become a Programme Partner

Take Digital Learning Further

Your support can help us reach another school, train another teacher and give another child their first opportunity to use a computer.

Partners can support:

Laptops and tablets
Solar equipment and batteries
Internet connectivity
Learning software and offline content
Facilitator training & vehicle maintenance
Permanent school computer laboratories

Together, we can ensure that geography, income and access to electricity do not prevent a child from participating in the digital world.

Support Digital Learning Sponsor a Mobile Classroom

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a school need electricity to participate?

No. Our mobile classrooms use solar energy and can operate in schools without reliable electricity.

Which learners can participate?

The core School Programme serves children between 3 and 14 years. Lessons and devices are selected according to the learners’ ages and abilities.

How long does the programme run?

The digital-literacy curriculum is delivered over two years. Maendeleo Foundation may work with a partner school for up to five years to support sustained learning and growth.

Does the school need a computer laboratory?

No. We bring the devices, solar power, connectivity, furniture, learning materials and facilitators required to conduct the lessons.

Does the school pay for the programme?

Partner schools make a subsidised contribution towards the training. Grants, awards, donations and programme partners cover most of the cost.

Can the programme reach remote schools?

Yes. The mobile classrooms were specifically designed to travel to rural and underserved schools, including communities with limited electricity and digital infrastructure.

Our Partners

Over the years, the Mobile Solar Computer Classroom has received support and recognition from organisations including AFRINIC, Intel, Internet Society, Adelphi, Women’s WorldWide Web, W4 and The Real Uganda.

We continue to welcome partners who share our commitment to expanding digital opportunity across Uganda.

Flagship Initiative