The training program carried out by OCU for the Osaka International Center of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) finished on 5 September. 9 trainees from 8 different countries participated in a 2 month course in solar power generation technology.

Below is a short report of how their stay at OCU went

July

On 4 July The training program kicked-off with a visit to the President of OCU. On 7&8 July each participant introduced their country (this year Burundi, Fiji, Malawi, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tonga and Bhutan), explaining its customs and the current use of solar power.

country presentation

impression of one the classes

August

To learn about solar power storage, batteries, battery regeneration and solar power generation total solutions, the group visited state-of-the art Japanese companies and attended lectures by experts in each field. This way they got to learn from GS Yuasa Corporation, Hamada Co. Ltd. and Sharp Corporation. In the hot days of August, full of sunlight, the group went on a study trip to Kyushu and carried out practice projects in the courtyard of the Engineering Faculty building.

impression of practice projects

company visit

September

On 5 September the 2 month program drew to a close with a meeting where the group presented their training report and an evaluation, followed by a farewell party in the evening. Where during the welcome party everything was still a bit unfamiliar, this evening everybody chatted openly with the group of professors and graduate students involved in the training program. In the speeches there were many words of appreciation about the program and of sadness to say goodbye. We all hope that the participants will bring their new skills and knowledge of solar power generation to good use in their home countries.

farewell party

speech by Mr. Bulath at the party