Education is a fundamental right for every child. Yet, in many parts of the world, millions of children are still excluded from classrooms, let alone have access to even the most basic resources. It is heartbreaking to imagine students learning without electricity, computers, or clean and safe water, as technology has become an aspect that permeates our lives and shapes our future every single day.

To them, the vicious cycle of poverty and discrimination is all too real. Jobs are scarce, and the infrastructure is weak. Children grow up with little chance to improve their conditions and little exposure to anything other than hardship and struggle. During my visit to Akkar, Lebanon, I discovered a little more about Sheikh Ayyash Public School, a rural school that has  627 students and 34 teachers. The school, despite the dedication of its staff, had been facing some of the most basic challenges of all. The reality hit me hard. While my friends and I were having a chance to try out robotics and coding at school, the students and teachers of Sheikh Ayyash were having a hard time keeping the lights on in their classrooms. I knew I had to do something.

Creating the First Innovation Lab

We created the school's first innovation lab in 2024 through the tireless work of a diligent group of volunteer youths and the generous patronage of many organizations. The innovation lab is fully stocked with laptops, robotics kits, and programming hardware, all of which were designed to provide students with access to the virtual space. For many students, it was their first time learning how to operate a computer.

The Khadija Laboratory quickly became a beacon of hope. More than 200 students gained access to the lab, unlocking coding and robotics skills they had originally thought were inaccessible. I can still recall the spark of anticipation in their eyes when they initially switched on the machines. It felt like peering through a creaking doorway - not just into the world of technology, but into a realm of boundless creativity.

When the Lights Went Out

The harsh truth of the deteriorating power grid of Lebanon became apparent less than four months after it was opened. The constant electricity shortage rendered it unsustainable for the students to use the lab regularly. The resource that could theoretically transform lives was idle for hours every day. It was as if we opened up access for these individuals to advance, but could not fully realise that potential. Then, we took the next step: providing sustainable electricity to Sheikh Ayyash by means of solar power.

Solar Energy for Schools of Education

In 2025, supported by a locally driven initiative - as well as friends, families, local supporters, and countless individual donors- we installed solar panels, a lithium-ion battery system, an inverter, and all wiring to grant 24/7 power to the innovation lab.

The outcomes were prompt. More than 700 students are once again capable of engaging in learning without disruption. The lithium battery guarantees that the lab remains functional even during overcast winter conditions. What was once a space of constraints has transformed into an emblem of perseverance and potential. This was more than an engineering project; it was a statement that no child should be deprived of being educated because of the circumstances of their birth.

Our Vision

Now that we have built the foundation with a sustainable infrastructure, the real journey begins. Our next priority is to maximize the lab utilization and transform it into a hub for student learning and development. We are excited to work with university and high school students and professionals who are eager to volunteer and help upskill the youth of Akkar to join us. With advanced equipment and a competitive curriculum in place, I am confident we will attract the brightest minds to inspire the future generation and make an everlasting change. If you are interested, please visit Elevio.org and be part of the change that you aspire to see in Lebanon.