About me¶
Hello! my name is Jonathan Phiri. I am a Deputy principal, also a Solar, Electrical and Electronics instructor at Solar Energy & Ecology Institute based in Northern region, Nkhataby district Malawi.
Solar Energy & Ecology Institute is a National Technical College. Solar Energy & Ecology Institute is specialized in training students as solar Installation technicians which is a 3 year program.
Iam very passionate to be in the prospect of innovation and technology, and Design thinking in general. I was very motivated to learn how to make almost anything.
I want to be more proficient in design skills. I want to further develop my Electronic career.
I travelled from Lilongwe Malawi in Southern Africa, to EnergyLab (Lome Togo) in West Africa, to be trained in computer Designing and Fabrication and bring the Advanced Technology back Home.
so! journey with me as I try to unfold the events step by step in this website!
My background¶
I am a Malawian man aged 38. I was born in Northern city, Nkhatabay district, Malawi. I hold a Diploma in Electrical and Electronics from City & Guilds at Malawi Polytechnic University and an Advanced Certificate in Solar Wind and Hybrid systems, plus Advanced certificate in Renewable Energy pedagogy, from Mzuzu University. I also hold a certificate in education from Domasi college of education, Malawi. I was once chosen the best Solar student and was awarded to go to Abudhabi UAE to attend a sustainable week meeting where they award future energy prizes to different companies and individuals.
Previous work¶
I have been working as a vocational teacher for some years now.
Sometimes I get involved in outreach programs to conduct skills trainings as well as entrepreneurship programs to empower women.
I initiated an outreach programs to conduct skills trainings as well as entrepreneurship programs to empower women.
Photo of me and women assessing site for solar PV installation during my outreach program.
Malawi Nation News paper writes about the women taking my class
Graduated women recieves Certificates from Malawi TEVET Authorities.
Back at the Institution I teach formal students taking a class in installing Solar PV systems.
You can see from the picture below shows Both male and Female students demonstrate participation in their practical sessions.
After practical, the picture below shows the actual activity where the students are conducting a Solar installation at the girls Dormitory as part of their training.
As a Solar Specialist, I have spent most of my time in conducting hands on trainings in Solar and Electrical installations both formal and informal programs. I have been used by many organizations to train women and the youth in Solar, Electrical and Basic Electronics in-order to widen the skills gap. These programs were being monitored and verified by Technical, Entrepreneurial, vocational Education and Training Authority(TEVETA).