Shree Cement Foundation Partnership Brings Clean Energy and Digital Learning to Over 6,000 People in Meghalaya
Shillong, June 29: More than 6,000 residents across Meghalaya have gained access to clean energy solutions and improved digital education through a collaborative community development initiative led
by the Shree Cement Foundation, GHE Foundation and the PA Sangma Foundation during the 2025-26 financial year.
The programme has been implemented across 22 villages, covering nearly 400 households and seven schools. By combining renewable energy with digital education infrastructure, the initiative aims to improve quality of life while creating sustainable opportunities for rural communities.
The project spans villages including Daji Ronkuagre, Teksakgre, Satiloggre, Chibegre, Tainang Karugitim, Rongbingre, Rongjigre, Debragre, Watregre, Damet Rongsagre, Mon Dobu, Mon Dobakol, Mandalgre, Bandigre, Ampanggre, Bansinggre Songmong, Sindapara, Ganchi Rongdegre, Buchigre, Jinggampara, Naronggre Songgitcham and Rabonggre. These villages are located across the Chokpot, Rongram, Baghmara, Songsak, Samanda, Dadenggre, Demdema, Zikzak and Raksamgre development blocks.
A major focus of the programme has been expanding access to renewable energy. Of the 400 households covered, 250 received solar village electrification, while another 150 households were equipped with rooftop solar systems integrated with electric cooking solutions.
Together, the installations have created nearly 430 kW of distributed solar power capacity. Around 400 kW has been deployed across beneficiary households, while schools account for an additional 30 kW. Every participating household received a 1 kW rooftop solar system, ensuring dependable electricity while encouraging greater adoption of clean energy technologies.
Project partners estimate that more than 2,000 people now enjoy reliable electricity through the initiative. Besides reducing dependence on kerosene lamps and traditional biomass fuels, the intervention has improved household safety, convenience and environmental sustainability.
Education has formed the second major pillar of the initiative. Seven schools have been equipped with solar-powered smart classrooms that integrate renewable energy with modern digital learning tools. Nearly 2,978 students and 117 teachers are expected to benefit from these upgraded classrooms, which aim to make teaching more interactive and improve students' exposure to technology.
Sharing the school's experience, the Principal of Stephen Memorial Higher Secondary School in Tura said the introduction of solar-powered digital classrooms has enhanced the learning environment and created brighter opportunities for students.
Students have also spoken positively about the initiative. Nonanchi M. Marak from Kherapara Secondary School in West Garo Hills said access to free computers and digital training had helped students develop essential computer skills that would support both their education and future careers.
Another student, Samraphui M. Sangma of New Tura Christian School, said learning widely used software applications such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel had made classroom sessions more engaging while improving students' digital literacy.
The impact of the project has extended well beyond educational institutions. Britson Sangma from Dobagre village in South Garo Hills said dependable electricity has significantly improved daily life. Families no longer rely on kerosene lamps, mobile phones can now be charged at home, and improved cooking facilities have made households more comfortable. He also noted that technical training provided under the programme has enabled local youth to maintain the installed systems, creating valuable skills and employment opportunities within the community.
Albina M. Sangma from Bansingre village in East Garo Hills highlighted how the rooftop solar installation and electric pressure cooker have transformed household routines. She said the family no longer spends hours collecting firewood, indoor smoke has been eliminated and children can comfortably study after sunset under reliable lighting.
Keballin R. Marak, another beneficiary, said access to electricity has removed the inconvenience of travelling to neighbouring villages simply to charge mobile phones. Reliable lighting every evening has also made everyday activities easier for families.
To ensure the initiative continues delivering benefits over the long term, the project partners have established community maintenance committees while training local technicians to manage and service the installed solar systems. This community-led approach is expected to improve system reliability and encourage local ownership.
Building on the success of the current phase, the Shree Cement Foundation, GHE Foundation and PA Sangma Foundation plan to further expand the programme across Meghalaya. The next phase will include solar electrification for an additional 100 households, the establishment of five STEM laboratories and the creation of three more digital education labs in schools, extending the reach of clean energy and technology-enabled learning to even more communities across the state.