Koen Timmers’ Project Kakuma Brings Solar Innovation and Hope to Refugee Camp

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.”

Image: Koen Timmers and 2023 Global Student Prize Winner Nhial Deng | Kenya

Learn more about Global Teacher Prize Ambassador Koen Timmers

Read more about Project Kakuma