Electricity could significantly enhance the educational experience for students and teachers at Domonisavu Primary School in Nayarabale, Cakaudrove. The school, which serves 67 students from kindergarten through eighth grade, has been without electricity for the past seven years.
Located 60 kilometers from Labasa town, the school is staffed by five teachers. School manager Manoa Tamaitugi explained that the community originally built the school in 1960, using kerosene lamps before acquiring a generator for power. In 2007, they received a large solar panel from the European Union, which unfortunately broke down after a decade.
Since 2017, the school has repeatedly requested solar panel support from the Ministry of Education through both verbal and written appeals. “Teachers have to travel to Labasa to print worksheets, exam papers, and other educational materials due to the lack of electricity at school,” Mr. Tamaitugi noted.
He emphasized that electricity would greatly improve children’s learning experiences by enabling access to printing and photocopying facilities, as well as allowing for additional classes with better lighting. This would also equip teachers with enhanced educational tools such as televisions, laptops, and projectors, along with providing Wi-Fi and charging capabilities for devices.
Students at DPS come from several nearby settlements, including Nayarable Village, Baleyaganiga Settlement, Nayaqalevu Settlement, Tabia Settlement, Dokanaisuva Settlement, and Namagala Settlement. The school comprises four classrooms, a library, an early childhood education area, the headteacher’s office, and four teacher quarters.
Mr. Tamaitugi acknowledged that while parents understand the challenges of operating a rural school, they continue to urge him to seek assistance from the Ministry of Education as urban schools receive government support. He added, “There is no network service at the school, so teachers have to hike to the mountain to make phone calls.”
The school community remains hopeful for government support in acquiring solar panels to encourage student motivation and performance. In a recent parliamentary session, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro assured that he would investigate the matter and provide a response.