After the impact of the pandemic and the subsequent post-pandemic adaptation period, the NGO HAHATAY returns to our classrooms. Fortunately, the link with this organisation has remained dormant, waiting for the right moment for reality to reconnect our students and the community of Gandiol (Senegal).

Rober, a Hahatay volunteer (and Somorrostro’s companion), has been expressing his concern about the water situation in the region for some time. He proposed that we involve our Renewable Energy (ER3) students in exploring this issue, integrating it into their learning process. Rober is familiar with our methodology based on real challenges, preferably with a social focus. The combination of this with the fact that two motivated and socially committed teachers are in charge of the end-of-cycle project this year can only lead to positive results.

So, last Thursday 15th, Rober came into the second-year classroom of Renewable Energies and presented the situation in Gandiol, Senegal: the basic needs of the population and the impact of climate change and low rainfall on agriculture.

What was the challenge? To find a way to obtain drinking water with a salt concentration of less than 6% for use in irrigation, using basic elements and renewable energies.

How could we turn down a challenge like this? The students will spend 50 hours of the end-of-cycle project module designing a prototype capable of extracting water from a well using a solar-powered pump, heating it to a certain temperature to generate water vapour and then collecting the condensed water in a container for use as irrigation water. Teams have been formed to address the situation comprehensively: one for water extraction, one for heating and a third for the condensation process and drinking water collection.

What is our goal now? To develop a prototype that will be tested in May in a water area, such as the Arena or Pobeña beach.

We are on the move! We will keep you posted on our progress.