Technology For Development
Complete Report: School Initiative, Software Demo Missed, and Practical Shortcomings
Holiday Inn, Limbe - December 18, 2025
The National Employment Fund (NEF) Solar Seminar on December 18, 2025, presented a complex picture: valuable policy discussions overshadowed by a missed opportunity to showcase school-led practical initiatives. The Linux Association brought 5 members, actual solar panels, and custom software - but was never given the chance to demonstrate them.
The Linux Association brought actual solar panels and custom calculation software to demonstrate, but was never given the opportunity to present. While the seminar discussed the need for practical training, it failed to utilize the very resources that attendees brought to the event.
The Linux Association sent a balanced team of students and teachers who came prepared with both theoretical knowledge and practical resources:
IT Teacher & Association President
Responsibility: Brought the solar calculation software
Software development lead
Technical Maintenance Instructor
Responsibility: Transported and set up solar panels
Electrical safety expert
Computer Science Student
Responsibility: Documentation and feedback collection
Only female in the delegation
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Student
Responsibility: Software demonstration assistant
Cross-disciplinary specialist
Renewable Energy & Computer Science Student
Responsibility: Solar panel technical explanations
Renewable energy specialist
Our school took the initiative to bring actual solar equipment because we believed in demonstrating practical solutions, not just discussing them. We transported:
Unfortunately, despite bringing these resources and requesting time to demonstrate them, we were never included in the program. The organizers prioritized theoretical presentations over practical demonstrations, missing a perfect opportunity to show real equipment and locally-developed software.
The Ministry of Finance presentation provided crucial information about solar energy incentives:
A compelling presentation showed real consequences of work by uncertified technicians:
"This safety presentation was crucial. It showed exactly why proper training and certification matter. However, it's ironic that the seminar itself didn't provide the practical training needed to prevent these problems. We could have demonstrated proper wiring techniques with our equipment."
— Javis, Maintenance Teacher
Our school developed a comprehensive solar calculation software specifically for Cameroonian conditions. We prepared to demonstrate:
Calculate exact panel, battery, and inverter needs
Uses Cameroonian sun hours data for accuracy
ROI calculations with local equipment prices
Step-by-step installation instructions
We requested 15 minutes to demonstrate this software but were told "there's no time in the schedule." This was particularly frustrating since we developed it specifically to address the calculation challenges discussed during the seminar. The software could have helped prevent the poor wiring cases that were presented.
"We spent three months developing SolarCalc Cameroon specifically for this seminar. We wanted to show how technology can solve the calculation problems that lead to poor installations. But we were never given the chance. The organizers preferred more talking about problems rather than showing solutions that we had ready to present."
— Michel, Software Developer & Teacher
"As the only female student in our group, I was excited to show that women can excel in solar technology. I helped develop the software interface and wanted to demonstrate it. Instead, I listened to hours of talks by mostly male presenters. It felt like a missed opportunity to change perceptions about women in STEM fields."
— Chantal, Computer Science Student
"As students studying both computer science and renewable energy, we were uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between digital solutions and physical solar installations. We had prepared interactive demonstrations showing how software can prevent the wiring errors discussed, but never got to share this."
— Clovis & Metuge, Dual-Field Students
Recordings from the seminar showing the disconnect between discussion and practice:
Note: While Video 1 shows the actual seminar content, Video 2 represents what was missing - practical demonstrations of locally-developed solutions. Our software demo video would have shown actual problem-solving, not just problem-discussing. We recorded a preview of our software that we're now sharing online since we couldn't present it at the seminar.
Based on our experience, future seminars should:
Schedule dedicated time for equipment demonstrations and software showcases. Reserve at least 30% of seminar time for hands-on activities.
Ask attendees what they can demonstrate and incorporate into the program. Create a "Demo Corner" for practical displays.
Create opportunities for students to present and demonstrate their work. Include student-led sessions in the program.
We propose collaborating on a "Practical Solar Day" where schools bring equipment and software, and students demonstrate real installations under teacher supervision. This would address the very practical gap identified in this seminar. We're willing to:
The NEF Solar Seminar highlighted a critical issue in Cameroon's renewable energy sector: discussion outweighs demonstration. While valuable policy information was shared, the seminar structure failed to capitalize on the practical resources that attendees like the Linux Association brought to the event.
Our team of 5 (3 students, 2 teachers) came prepared with both physical equipment and digital tools, ready to demonstrate practical solutions. That we were never given this opportunity represents a significant missed chance to move from theory to practice. We hope future events will balance policy discussion with practical demonstration, truly empowering attendees with both knowledge and skills.
"We appreciate the policy discussions, but came ready to demonstrate practical solutions. Our solar panels and software traveled to Limbe but never left our vehicle. Next time, we hope discussion will be balanced with demonstration, and that schools will be recognized as sources of practical innovation, not just passive attendees. We remain ready to contribute to Cameroon's solar future with both our knowledge and our practical skills."
— Linux Association Delegation (All 5 Members)