Elevate Topi: Integrating Renewable Energy and Digital Empowerment for Rural Community Advancement
Pakistan: Topi, Swabi District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan (IEEE Region 10)
Year Funded by Tech4Good
Funding Provided by Tech4Good*
Individuals Impacted
Number of Volunteers
* funding in USD
Sustainable Development Goals
Team Members
Members of the IEEE Islamabad Section and the IEEE Student Branch at the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences were involved in this initiative.
One team member became an IEEE member, and faculty members from the institute have shown interest in joining IEEE, inspired by the project’s impact.
Project Description
This project aimed to address critical challenges faced by the rural community of Topi, located in northern Pakistan, by implementing a solar power system and a digital literacy initiative at a local community school. Despite a population exceeding 328,000, the region faces frequent power outages and limited access to digital tools, constraining educational and community development.
The IEEE team designed and installed a 7-kW solar power system to provide reliable electricity to a local community school. In parallel, a digital literacy center was established, equipped with computers and peripherals, and complemented by structured training for students and teachers in fundamental computer skills and digital applications.
Initial Impact
The project directly benefited 266 individuals, including 250 students and 16 staff members, by improving learning conditions and ensuring uninterrupted access to electricity. The digital literacy center offers free access to educational materials and computer facilities, promoting equitable access regardless of financial constraints. Extended system availability after school hours has further expanded community use and participation in ongoing digital skills training.
The solar installation also resolved a longstanding water supply issue by enabling uninterrupted operation of the school’s water pump during grid outages, ensuring consistent access to water—an outcome highly valued by school staff.
Key lessons included the importance of thorough pre-procurement assessments and local supplier engagement to mitigate logistical challenges and reduce costs in remote areas. Adapting the training content to varying levels of digital literacy and involving local experts proved essential for effective knowledge transfer.
The project was successfully implemented through close collaboration with school leadership, staff, students, the local community, and the technical installation team. Continued IEEE involvement will support long-term sustainability through system monitoring, periodic evaluations, and technical assistance as needed.
