Vivant Foundation Inc. (VFI) celebrated its 10th anniversary by launching a solar-powered electrician curriculum designed to equip Filipino senior high school students with skills in sustainable energy.
Approved by the Department of Education (DepEd), the curriculum adds solar photovoltaic (PV) training to the Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) course, aiming to address the skills gap in off-grid areas where a lack of technical expertise has left solar installations unmaintained.
The curriculum, developed over four years with support from a 2.2-million-euro European Union grant, is being piloted in 10 schools across Cebu, Bohol, Bukidnon, La Union, and Pampanga.
VFI has provided equipment, teacher training, and classroom conversions to support the program, which is expected to expand nationally after a one-year pilot in Region 7.
“This curriculum is a significant step in bridging education with employability, equipping students with skills for renewable energy careers,” said Shem Jose Garcia, Executive Director of VFI.
Garcia highlighted VFI’s vision for scalability, encouraging other organizations to adopt the program.
“As a medium-sized foundation, we can’t reach every community. We hope others will integrate this training into their own initiatives,” he said.
Beyond the new curriculum, VFI’s impact includes electrifying 22 off-grid schools through projects like Project Liadlaw and the Renewable Energy for Livelihood and Youth (Project RELY).
These initiatives aim not only to provide power but also to foster self-sufficiency in remote communities, empowering residents to maintain their solar systems and enhance energy resilience.
VFI’s anniversary celebration gathered educators, partners, and community representatives to reflect on its decade-long mission.
With a commitment to “creating solutions for a changing world,” VFI has invested in education, environmental stewardship, and disaster resilience.
As it moves into the future, the foundation aims to expand its reach, ensuring students in underserved areas receive training essential for sustainable development.
Business News Asia