The Academy of Information Technology (AIT) partnered with COAST Foundation’s ISC Project in Cox’s Bazar to deliver skills development training on Solar Panel Installation and Maintenance for Rohingya youth living in Camp 1 West and Camp 22.
The initiative was designed to provide practical technical skills in the growing field of solar energy, helping young participants develop knowledge of solar technologies, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting.
Building Practical Skills for the Future
Under the Standard Letter of Agreement between COAST Foundation and the Academy of Information Technology, AIT served as the facilitating partner for the training program.
AIT was selected to facilitate the training following a comparative analysis and was responsible for implementing the courses according to the approved training modules and agreed requirements.
The program focused on two batches, with 20 participants in each batch, providing a total of 40 training opportunities across the two camps.
72 Hours of Solar Energy Training per Batch
Each batch received an intensive 72-hour training program, delivered through 24 classes of three hours each.
Training was organized at:
- Camp 1 West: 20 participants
- Camp 22: 20 participants
The courses were scheduled at a frequency of approximately three to four classes per week, allowing participants to progressively develop their technical understanding and practical knowledge.
What Participants Learned
The training curriculum covered key areas of solar photovoltaic technology and maintenance.
Participants were introduced to:
Basic Tools, Equipment and Solar Technology
The program began with fundamental knowledge of solar energy systems, including an introduction to the tools and equipment required for solar panel installation and maintenance.
PV Module Technology
Participants learned about photovoltaic (PV) module technology, including the principles involved in selecting and sizing PV modules for solar energy systems.
Solar Power Plant Components
The curriculum also introduced participants to solar power plant infrastructure, including the substation and switchyard components.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
A major component of the training focused on maintenance and troubleshooting, helping participants understand how to identify and address common issues associated with solar power systems.
A Structured and Supportive Learning Environment
AIT was responsible for assigning a trainer to each batch and providing essential learning materials, including daily lecture sheets, notebooks and pens.
The training implementation also incorporated attendance monitoring, trainee performance reporting and pre- and post-training evaluations.
In keeping with the project’s requirements, AIT was committed to delivering the training in a gender-sensitive and conflict-sensitive manner, while maintaining regular communication and reporting with COAST Foundation.
Training in Cox’s Bazar’s Rohingya Camps
The training was conducted in Camp 1 West and Camp 22, bringing technical skills development directly to the communities where the participants lived.
According to the agreement, the training was scheduled from 9 November to 24 December 2021, with performance reports to be submitted following completion of the courses.
The program also included provisions for continuity in the event of disruptions caused by circumstances such as COVID-19, government restrictions or flooding, with training to resume and be completed according to the approved course criteria.
Project at a Glance
- Project: Skill Development Training on Solar Panel Installation and Maintenance
- Partner: COAST Foundation, Cox’s Bazar
- Facilitating Partner: Academy of Information Technology (AIT)
- Location: Rohingya Camps, Camp 1 West and Camp 22
- Participants: 40 total
- Batches: 2
- Duration per Batch: 72 hours
- Classes per Batch: 24
- Participants per Batch: 20
- Training Period: November–December 2021
Creating Opportunities Through Technical Education
The solar panel installation and maintenance training represents an example of how technical education can be brought directly into community-based settings.
By providing structured training on solar technology, PV systems, equipment, maintenance and troubleshooting, the initiative created an opportunity for Rohingya youth to gain practical technical knowledge in an increasingly important area of renewable energy.
For AIT, the project stands as part of its broader engagement in skills development, technical education and community-focused training in Cox’s Bazar.
