Electricity has the potential to significantly enhance the educational experience for students and teachers at Domonisavu Primary School in Nayarabale, Cakaudrove.
The school, which serves 67 students from kindergarten to eighth grade, has been without electricity for the past seven years. Located 60 kilometers from Labasa town, the institution employs five teachers.
School manager Manoa Tamaitugi noted that the community constructed the school in 1960, initially using kerosene lamps before acquiring a generator for electricity. “Thanks to the European Union, we received a large solar panel in 2007, but it broke down after ten years,” he explained.
Since 2017, Tamaitugi has made both verbal and written requests to the Ministry of Education seeking solar panel support for the school. “Teachers have to travel to Labasa to print worksheets, exam papers, and other educational materials because the school lacks electricity.
Having electricity would greatly improve the learning environment for our children. In addition to providing access to printing and photocopying, it would allow for better lighting for extra classes. It would also enable teachers to utilize improved teaching resources like televisions, laptops, and projectors, along with access to Wi-Fi for charging devices.”
The students come from various nearby settlements, including Nayarable Village, Baleyaganiga Settlement, Nayaqalevu Settlement, Tabia Settlement, Dokanaisuva Settlement, and Namagala Settlement. The school features four classrooms, a library, an early childhood education center, a headteacher’s office, and quarters for four teachers.
Mr. Tamaitugi pointed out that while parents acknowledge the school’s rural setting, they continuously urge him to seek assistance from the Ministry of Education, particularly as urban schools are receiving government support. He also mentioned, “There is no network at the school, so teachers have to trek up the mountain to make mobile phone calls.”
“We remain hopeful that the government can assist us with solar panels, motivating our children to excel academically.”
When approached in Parliament, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro assured that he would investigate the issue and provide a response.