The Project Elpis provides free solar electric energy to refugees in Greece so they can charge their mobile phones and be online.
Despite the increased capabilities that a smartphone provides, the issue of battery life is always a tough challenge. While older model phones often lasted an entire week on standby, smartphones usually can operate for a single day on a single charge, due to the large screens and cellular connections.
The refugees in Greece, besides all the other difficulties they have to face, also have the problem of charging their devices, which help them learn the news and the government's decisions and also stay connected with their relatives. Opportunities to charge the devices are severely limited within the overcrowded camps.
Question marks also arise from reports that some cafés have begun charging fees for the privilege of charging a device. Others, again refugees in their despair, tamper with the wiring of street lighting, risking electrocution and losing their lives.
University of Edinburgh students Alexandros Angelopoulos and Samuel Kellerhals, in an attempt to provide a solution to the problem, have launched Project Elpis , providing free solar electricity. With the help of various companies, they have already built and installed two solar charging stations. Each unit provides 12 plugs that provide electricity using only the sun. The device is capable of serving up to 240 people per unit every day.
The two students are hoping to raise enough money through Indiegogo to build additional units. So far they have raised £3,675 with a target of £4,000, which is the amount needed for four more charging stations.
They named this project Elpis, hoping it will ensure the communication line remains open between those displaced by war and poverty and their relatives worldwide.
