IMPACT STORY: SparkWise Initiative – Igniting a Youth Innovation Revolution
- Lisa Giuliani
- Apr 16
- 4 min read
SparkWise Initiative – Igniting a Youth Innovation Revolution
By Ebenezer Anyadiegwu, CEO SparkWise Initiative
The SparkWise Initiative, a bold project launched by the Young Innovators' Club at Egba Odeda High School Junior, Odeda LGA, Ogun State, Nigeria, has successfully graduated over 50 students trained in solar-powered household appliance innovation, electronic repairs, Biogas plant innovation for green cooking and digital sustainability practices. More than just a training program, this initiative signals the rise of a new generation of climate innovators equipped to drive real impact in underserved communities.
Their award-winning SparkWise Initiative transforms discarded plastic and electronic waste into functional solar-powered household appliances including torches, blenders, fans, and lanterns. This innovative project:
Provides affordable, renewable energy solutions during frequent grid failures
Repairs damaged electronics to extend their lifespan
Trains students and community members in upcycling techniques
Creates scalable models for sustainable living solutions
Building on their earlier SDG-7 Honorable Mention in the Next Generation Foresight Practitioners - Young Voices Awards, this international recognition showcases the incredible impact of youth-led innovation.
Backed by local mentors and powered by global supporters like Teach the Future’s Young Voices Network, and Digital Promise, SparkWise bridges the digital and energy divide through hands-on STEM education and climate-resilient technology.
A Day of Celebration and Transformation:
Graduation day was a moment of transformation. The air was filled with joy and pride as students showcased solar-powered torches, fans, and small electronics—ingeniously crafted from plastic and electronic waste. The event drew parents, teachers, community leaders, and guests, all marvelling at what young minds could achieve when given tools, trust, and guidance.
Many of these students had never handled a soldering iron or opened an electrical device before the program. Yet, today, they're confidently building circuits, repairing electronics, and leading peer innovation sessions.
Mr. Olalekan Eniola, a Teach For Nigeria coach supporting the SparkWise team, shared:
"I'm incredibly proud to be a coach to these fellows. They are leading a transformative initiative in an underserved school, creating real and lasting impact in the lives of the students and the wider community." - Mr. Olalekan Eniola
Voices from the Community
Mr. Okunade Adeniyi, a retired principal, alumnus of the school, and Chairman of the Graduation Ceremony, stated:
"This project has rekindled the practical STEM zeal in solving real-life problems in the school and our community. The community and stakeholders are proud of this team. We were also thrilled to witness the global relevance of this initiative—it emerged as one of six finalists in the prestigious SXSW EDU Student Impact Challenge in Austin, Texas. Despite visa denials for the students and Mr. Ebenezer, they competed virtually and impressively came third globally."
Dr. Lamidi Oyeniyi Tajudeen, Head of the Science Department, commented:
"Since the inception of SparkWise, students have developed a strong passion for STEM. They eagerly innovate solar-powered appliances from waste. Many teachers and community members have brought in damaged appliances, which the students repaired. The impact of Mr. Ebenezer Anyadiegwu and his team is etched into the legacy of this school."
Mr. Olayiwola Isaac, a parent, teacher, and father of the student-leader of the Innovators' Club, added:
"The impact of Mr. Ebenezer on the school and the community is immense and immeasurable. He relates with students at their level, using Bloom's Taxonomy and innovative teaching strategies that make learning accessible to all. May God bless him and his team."
Mr. Ademola, CEO of Tunde Ben Global Renewable Energy Company and a technical trainer for the initiative, remarked:
"You might think this is a simple project because it involves plastic and electronic waste, but the impact is massive. These students now possess critical 21st-century skills. I'm honored to have been part of their journey."
Mr. Ebenezer Anyadiegwu, Team Lead and Founder of SparkWise, reflected:
"This project was born out of a shared pain between me and my students—community challenges, grid failure and a lack of practical tech education. Many prefer to donate solar lamps, but I believe in teaching students to fish rather than giving them fish. Today, they've innovated their own solar-powered torches and fans from waste materials. This is the celebration of knowledge, empowerment, and sustainable impact."
Where Do They Go From Here?
SparkWise graduates are not just students anymore—they are innovators, apprentices, and entrepreneurs. With newly acquired skills in:
a. Solar installation and repair
b. Electronic troubleshooting
c. Creative upcycling of waste
d. Tech-based problem solving
e. Biogas and Biodigester plant innovation.
They are now able to:
Launch micro-enterprises in their communities.
Serve as junior technicians and earn income.
Mentor their peers and amplify the initiative's impact.
Drive local climate action through renewable energy innovation.
Some have already started repairing electronics for clients and innovating personalized solar devices, igniting their entrepreneurial journeys.
What's Next?
The journey doesn't end in Odeda. SparkWise is set to expand into states like Abia, Imo, Anambra, and Lagos, training hundreds more students in sustainable energy innovation and digital skills.
The long-term goal is to register SparkWise as a climate-resilient Social Enterprise NGO, scaling clean energy education and innovation across Nigeria and eventually, Africa. Plans are also underway to launch a Mobile Solar-Tech Training Hub, which will bring the SparkWise model directly to rural and marginalized communities.
To Our Sponsors and Supporters
To our invaluable supporters—Teach the Future, SXSW, Digital Promise, Teach For Nigeria, and every single person who voted for us and believed in our vision—thank you.
You didn't just sponsor a project—you sparked a movement. You've shown that when we equip young people with relevant tools and guidance, they become leaders, changemakers, and climate heroes.
We look forward to walking this journey with you as we expand our impact and continue lighting up communities—one solar-powered innovation at a time.
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