The Zambian team gained new experience in Lesotho!

Two members of our partner organization, New Renato Community Society from Zambia, spent a week in Lesotho, where they completed an intensive professional training program organized by ČEZ, a.s. The program focused on two key areas—hands-on training in solar photovoltaic system installation led by Petr Jenikovský from ČEZ Obnovitelné zdroje, s.r.o., and project management, including the financing of non-profit projects, under the guidance of Martina Trojákové from Martia, a.s.

Traveling to Lesotho were Boyd, the site manager of our Zambian team, and Gregory, who focuses on project management and development within the organization. Each of them completed training aligned with their specialization, but both shared the same goal—to gain new experience that will help further develop projects in the Kashitu community.

For both, it was also a major personal milestone. This was their very first time traveling abroad on such a long journey, and also the first time in their lives flying on an airplane. Before their departure, we spoke on the phone several times, trying to prepare them as best as possible for everything ahead—from airport check-in to the journey itself. After a long bus ride to Johannesburg and a successful check-in, they met Petr and Martina at the departure gate right on schedule. At that moment, it was clear that the adventure was about to begin.

Practical Continuation of the Journey in Photovoltaics

For Boyd, this training represented a natural continuation of last year's education in the field of renewable energy sources. It all began with an online training course from the ČEZ Academy, which he completed in 2025. He subsequently applied the knowledge he gained during the installation of the photovoltaic solar power plant for the school campus in Kashitu, working on it from the very beginning until the system was fully commissioned.

At the time, he participated in the implementation of the power plant alongside local technician Steven, under the leadership of recent graduate Michal Koščík. Throughout, Boyd was primarily prepared for the role of system administrator and maintenance technician, ensuring its long-term operation and helping to guarantee that the solar power system reliably serves the students and the entire community.

This year's training in Lesotho thus built upon the experience gained directly in the field. This time, Boyd worked side by side with Petr Jenikovský, whom he had previously been in contact with only during online training and phone consultations during the installation in Zambia. In Lesotho, they jointly installed a photovoltaic system for a health center run by Mrs. Matsepiso Majoro, giving Boyd the opportunity to further develop his practical skills under the guidance of an experienced expert.

Development of Project Management

While Boyd was expanding his technical knowledge, Gregory completed training focused on project management, organizational leadership, and project financing. The program was led by Martina Trojáková from Martia, a.s.

For Gregory, the experience gained was highly valuable. As a member of the partner organization New Renato Community Society, he participates in the development of its activities and finding ways to move the organization forward. Alongside technical knowledge, quality project management is one of the key prerequisites for creating more meaningful projects that will have a long-term benefit for the local community and our long-standing cooperation.

A Partnership That Brings Results

The entire training is another step in our multi-year cooperation with the ČEZ Group and its experts on renewable energy sources. Over the course of working together, professional cooperation has turned into a true partnership, and many experts have become not only an important part of our team but also close friends of the project.

We began our journey together in September 2025 with the implementation of the photovoltaic solar power plant for the school campus in Kashitu. This year, we are building on this work by electrifying the entire site through installing and connecting a transformer to the public distribution grid. Thanks to this, it will be possible to further develop the school campus and other activities in the community.

Indeed, training sessions like this are proof that our goal is not just the realization of individual buildings or technical solutions. Equally important is passing knowledge on to local people so they can independently operate, develop, and share their experience with others. Investing in the education of "young blood" is key for our partner organization. In the local community, theory is successfully turned into practice, and new energy, motivation, and ideas are what move the entire project forward.

Throughout the entire time, we were in regular contact with Boyd, Gregory, Petr, and Martina. We were absolutely thrilled by every message, photo, and update they shared with us from Lesotho. It was beautiful to watch them gain new experiences, make new friendships, and grow not only professionally but also personally.

The execution and gradual development of this cooperation is a huge motivation for us. Seeing a long-term partnership transform into concrete results, new opportunities, and, above all, the growth of people directly within local communities is the greatest reward for our collective efforts.

We would like to thank everyone who is a part of this journey—especially our partners from the ČEZ Group, Martia a.s., and of course, Boyd and Gregory, for their dedication and eagerness to learn new things. We are already looking forward to future projects together.