A core mission of the V2SDF – Vet To Stop Deforestation project is to build local capacity. We don't just deliver solutions; we empower communities to build and sustain them themselves. This July, we took a significant step in that mission by conducting a pivotal teacher training program on industrial solar cooker manufacturing.

From July 7th to 25th, 2025, following the scheduled activities of the V2SDF project, teachers from three key partner vocational schools in Burundi gathered at the LTCR Mushasha pilot workshops. Educators from CEM Gitaba, CEFORE Rusi, and LTCR Mushasha participated in an intensive, hands-on course designed to turn them into experts and trainers in solar technology.

The training was meticulously structured to combine theoretical knowledge with practical application. The sessions began with detailed explanations of the design of industrial-scale cookers, and the critical role this technology plays in combating deforestation by providing a clean alternative to wood and charcoal.

Following the theory, the teachers dove into the heart of the matter: the step-by-step fabrication processes. Within the fully-equipped pilot workshops at LTCR Mushasha, they learned and practiced every stage required to construct the specific models of industrial solar cookers planned for local production. This hands-on approach ensured that they not only understood the "why" but also mastered the "how"—from material selection and metalworking to assembly and quality control.

This training is more than just a technical course; it's a multiplier effect in action. By equipping these dedicated teachers with advanced skills, we are ensuring that knowledge spreads. They will now integrate this curriculum into their own schools, training the next generation of technicians, entrepreneurs, and environmental stewards in Burundi.

The V2SDF project continues to demonstrate that the fight against deforestation is interconnected with education, vocational training, and tangible skill development. We are incredibly proud of these teachers' commitment and excited to see the ripple effect of their new expertise as they inspire their students to build a more sustainable and energy-independent future.

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