By Christie U. Omonigho
To commemorate the World Literacy Day 2025, Heirs Energies Limited, usually referred to as Africa’s leading Indigenous and Integrated Energy Company, and the World Literacy Foundation (WLF), a global non-profit organization with the “dedication to eradicate illiteracy” has announced the launch of the “Sun Books Literacy Initiative” in Rivers State, Nigeria.
Energy Window International (Media) learnt that the initiative would directly benefit more than 500 pupils at Central State Primary School, Omuohia-Igwuruta, and Umuebulu Primary School, Umuebulu, both schools which are located within Heirs Energies’ OML 17 host communities. Pupils will receive, according to a statement made available to Energy Window International (Media), solar-powered Sun Books tablets, preloaded with “culturally relevant, curriculum-aligned literacy content and interactive learning modules.” Solar panels would also be installed in the schools to ensure uninterrupted power and effective use of the devices in the classrooms, while creating sustainable access to education in resource-limited environments.
It’s worthy to note that globally, more than 770 million people were reported to be lacking access to basic education and literacy skills, with millions of African children yet facing mounting obstacles to education. In Nigeria for instance, UNESCO it was reported, estimated that one out of three children would not know how to read or write even at the age 10 years, with rural dwellers among whom are girls who would be mostly and severely affected.
Energy Window International (Media) gathered that the “Sun Books” programme was designed to address these structural gaps through provision of “offline-first digital” learning tools that usually work in low-infrastructure settings. Teachers in participating schools, the statement pointed out, would be receiving “hands-on training” to enable integration of digital literacy into classroom tutorials while ensuring continuity of learning with stronger and long-term outcomes.
Originally piloted in Uganda, the “Sun Books” the statement disclosed, already has over 17,000 children, churned out more than 280 teachers, and supporting over 48,000 families across Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa.
Osa Igiehon, CEO of Heirs Energies, reaffirms the company’s long-term vision for community empowerment in the following words:
“As an integrated energy company, we know that renewable and sustainable energy must serve a greater purpose — building stronger, more resilient communities. Our investment in literacy is an investment in the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers. This initiative reflects our Africapitalism philosophy – creating social good while delivering economic value. With Sun Books, we are empowering children to dream beyond their circumstances and equipping teachers with tools to make learning engaging and inclusive.”
Mr. Andrew Kay, CEO of the World Literacy Foundation, underscored the global significance of the collaboration in this manner:
“This partnership with Heirs Energies demonstrates the power of cross-sector collaboration. By combining renewable energy and digital learning, we are providing children with the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed – regardless of geography or circumstance. Together, we are closing the literacy gap in underserved communities and preparing the next generation for the digital economy.”
His Royal Majesty, Dr. Samuel Amaechi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, OML 17 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) Board of Trustees who also spoke on behalf of the community equally commented. He was quoted to have said:
“This initiative shows what is possible when companies listen to their host communities and act in partnership. Education is the greatest legacy we can give our children. With the Sun Books programme, our schools now have the tools to prepare them for the future. We thank Heirs Energies and the World Literacy Foundation for investing in our children and in the long-term prosperity of our communities.”
For Heirs Energy, the “Sun Books Literacy Initiative” serves as a “Launchpad” for its “Power Schools Initiative” which aims to deploy clean energy and digital infrastructure across schools in its host communities.
“This milestone also aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy), reinforcing both Heirs Energy’s shared commitment to building inclusive, sustainable, and knowledge-driven societies.”
Heirs Energies Limited is seen as Africa’s leading indigenous-owned integrated energy company with a commitment to meeting Africa’s unique energy needs while aligning with global sustainability goals. With a strong focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and community development, Heirs Energies says it leads in the evolving energy landscape, and contributing to a more prosperous Africa.
Sun Books is a pioneering EdTech initiative by the World Literacy Foundation (WLF). It provides preloaded, solar-powered tablets, with “culturally relevant, curriculum-aligned literacy content, offline-first interactive learning apps”, with comprehensive teacher guides, designed to address literacy gaps in off-grid and underserved communities. The Initiative supports children between the age of 4 and 12 in developing strong reading and learning skills, even in resource-limited settings.
And the World Literacy Foundation (WLF) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating illiteracy worldwide. Said to have been established in 2003 in Australia, WLF currently operates across Africa, Latin America, the United States, and the United Kingdom, impacting over 115 million children and their families. By combining technology, community engagement, teacher development, and advocacy, the foundation works to close the literacy gap and empower communities with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the present, ever-increasing complex world.