UAE volunteer group lights up solar

The Fathers And Kids Camping group normally spends weekends exploring the UAE’s deserts, but over the Eid break, they traveled to the small fishing village of Kizimkazi to expand the ‘Seeds of Light’ school.

More than 70 adults and children teamed up with 50 people in Zanzibar to build five classrooms, bathrooms, and a playground, and install a rooftop solar power system.

The project was funded by people and businesses in the UAE. They donated more than Dh500,000 ($136,000) to the Tanzanian charity CR Hope Foundation, which runs the school.

“We nearly achieved everything we wanted,” said organiser Vahid Fotuhi, 45, who is also the founder of the Middle East Solar Industry Association.

“We are all bruised and exhausted, but so proud of what we achieved. The five classrooms are 80 per cent complete, and the castle playground is finished, and larger than most homes in the area.