Electricity is a rare commodity in Haiti, but St. Gabriel School now has electrical power after the installation of a solar power system in January 2013. General Electric donated six solar panels, and installation was completed by the Let’s Share the Sun Foundation of East Greenbush, NY. Their foundation's mission is to facilitate the use of solar energy in some of the poorest, most disadvantaged parts of the world: “places that are rich in their access to the sun but lack fundamental resources.”

 

There is no municipal electricity in Fontaine, and many families cannot afford a diesel generator, making it difficult for students to study after dark. The school building is now open and lit for a few hours in the evening for students to study under the electric lights. Additionally, solar lanterns provided by Let’s Share the Sun allow students living farthest from Fontaine to study at night and to share this energy with their families. General Electric donated an additional 26 smaller solar panels. Their installation has greatly increased the electrical energy output available to both the St. Gabriel's school and the community.