New Latitudes of Learning – Bridging the Digital Divide in Rural Africa
EQLP empowers communities across East Africa with technology-driven, solar-powered education ecosystems. We believe every child deserves access to the tools, knowledge, and opportunity to shape their future — no matter where they live.
Quick Overview: Founded: 2019, EQLP is an evolution of a University of Pennsylvania service-learning course initiated by Dr. Gerri Light and Dr. Jorge Santiago-Aviles.
EQLP has grown into an independent project focused on implementing Raspberry Pi desktop systems, RACHEL servers, and photovoltaic (solar-powered) infrastructure in regions with limited or unreliable electricity and internet access.
About Us
EQLP is a volunteer-led initiative providing technology-integrated, open-access learning in underserved rural communities. Our solutions integrate Open Educational Resources (OER), Raspberry Pi computing, sustainable solar energy, and LEO Satellite Broadband. We support local capacity building and long-term educational sustainability.
Empowering Communities
EQLP empowers underserved communities, especially students and teachers in Rwanda and Tanzania.
​As technology evolves, the growing educational gap between those having access to computer networks and those without is widening.
The Digital Divide
For many, the challenges related to equipment, connectivity, and electrical power are great. But, the necessity for learning the skills to participate in tomorrow’s globally connected economy is far greater.
Early education that incorporates an understanding of technology fundamentals and the self-directed use of digital learning tools is imperative in the 21st century.
Children educated in rural areas of emerging nations are especially challenged in this regard. But recent advances in micro-computers, Microbit and Raspberry Pi) local learning networks (RACHEL), and low-cost solar power units, provide the components for building stand-alone digital learning platforms in nearly any location.
These developments hold the potential for bridging the digital divide on a scale never before possible.
News & Updates
July 2025
IEEE Connect the Unconnected proposal Phase II.
March 2025
Loibor Siret girls' dormitory nears completion.
January 2026
New deployments started at Kibera and Gihunga.
May 2026
RACHEL Teacher Cohort launched in Rwanda.
February 2026
LEO pilot internet setup tested in Ololosokwan.
