Time is what allows us to put things into perspective, measuring how efforts have made a real impact. When we first visited Bbira Primary School, we found them cooking with 3-stone fires. Since 2016 and with the introduction of the energy efficient institutional improved cook stoves (IICS), the school has been cooking for over a decade with the IICS, allowing them to save at least 50% of their firewood expenditures.
Today, we are working hard to have this school (and all other 120 schools included under Simoshi’s Project Activity) move up the energy ladder by using induction electric stoves. Throughout the end of 2025 and all of this year, we have successfully tested the technology at St. Gyaviira Primary School. We expect to have Bbira Primary also transitioning in 2027.
We wanted to share the passing of time, that beautifully reflects the success story of finding the same cook, Ms. Joyce, we once found struggling with dangerous flames and smoke as she prepared the children’s food at Bbira. As we continue to monitor the kitchen and repair all their IICS every year for free, pictures below reflect the happiness of always finding her there, enjoying a healthier kitchen environment. With some more wrinkles and wiser minds, we cannot wait to see her enjoy the wonders of electricity in a near future.
