Koen Timmers’ Project Kakuma Brings Solar Innovation and Hope to Refugee Camp
- Jul 29, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 13, 2025
In the heart of Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp, educator, changemaker, and 2017 Global Teacher Prize Finalist Koen Timmers led a powerful mission to bring sustainable solutions, education, and hope to some of the world’s most underserved learners. Working alongside local refugees and international collaborators, Koen and his team empowered residents to create solar bottle lights, transforming not just homes but entire communities.
Project Kakuma, launched by Timmers, began when he shipped his own laptop and internet connection to the camp and started teaching refugees via Skype. Now, it has grown into a global movement: 420 teachers from 75 countries offer free, high-quality lessons in math, science, and English. The project also includes two innovative Maggie schools and four dedicated educational programs designed specifically for refugee learners.
The initiative, part of the broader Project Kakuma taught STEM skills while addressing the critical lack of electricity in the camp. These lights enabled children to study safely after dark and reduced dangerous incidents, such as one young student who, lacking light, was stung by a scorpion the night before class and still chose to attend, using toothpaste in place of medical aid.
During his visit, Koen also had the chance to meet Nhial Deng, the 2023 Global Student Prize Winner, whose inspiring leadership has made waves within Kakuma through peacebuilding, education and entrepreneurship programmes. Their meeting underscored the growing network of youth and educators shaping brighter futures from within Kakuma itself.
Beyond the tech, the project bridged cultures. Belgian students joined in virtually, comparing their solar designs with those made in Kakuma and engaging in a meaningful intercultural exchange.
A Swiss/French documentary team captured the entire journey, with national media in Belgium also highlighting the initiative. Despite severe funding cuts from USAID that have led to food shortages and struggling orphanages, Project Kakuma offered a spark of resilience and innovation. “We made a very small difference,” Koen shared humbly, “but it mattered.”
The initiative of creating solar bottle lights is a brilliant solution to the lack of electricity in Kakuma. It’s inspiring to see how something as simple as a bottle can transform lives and provide children with the opportunity to study safely after dark. The story of the student who persevered despite being stung by a scorpion highlights the resilience and determination in the camp. Projects like these not only address immediate needs but also empower communities to innovate. This reminds me of how collaboration can bridge gaps, as seen in the virtual exchanges between Belgian students and those in Kakuma. For more on such innovative projects, I found LuckyHYP to be insightful.
It's inspiring to see how Project Kakuma has transformed lives by addressing such a critical need for education and safety through solar bottle lights. The story of the young student who risked a scorpion sting just to attend class truly highlights the resilience of these learners. This initiative not only fosters learning but also builds a supportive community among refugees and educators alike. It's a reminder that small actions can lead to significant change. For those curious about engaging projects, I found a fun and unique venture at Scooby Doo Creepy Run that also promotes community engagement in a different way.
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