Solar Power Installation and Dropout Rates among Adolescent Girls in Lesotho: An Ethnographic Examination

Solar power installation has been proposed as a solution to improve educational outcomes for adolescent girls in Lesotho, where high dropout rates are prevalent. An ethnographic study was conducted over three years involving interviews, focus groups, and observations with adolescent girls, parents, and community leaders in Lesotho's rural areas. Solar power installations were found to significantly reduce school dropout rates by up to 20% among participating girls, particularly for those living in remote areas where electricity is scarce. The study highlights the importance of integrating solar energy solutions into educational interventions and underscores the need for community engagement and support mechanisms. Solar power programmes should be integrated into existing education systems with targeted outreach to rural communities, and continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential. Solar Power, Adolescent Girls, Dropout Rates, Ethnographic Study, Lesotho