Students and teachers at Domonisavu Primary School in Nayarabale, Cakaudrove, could greatly benefit from the provision of electricity. The school, which serves 67 students from kindergarten to class eight, has been without electricity for the past seven years.
Located 60 kilometers from Labasa town, the school employs five teachers. According to the school manager, Manoa Tamaitugi, the community built the school in 1960 using kerosene lamps and later invested in a generator for electricity. “In 2007, we received a large solar panel thanks to the European Union, but it broke down after ten years,” Mr. Tamaitugi explained.
Since 2017, the school has made multiple requests to the Ministry of Education for solar panels to support their educational needs. Teachers are forced to travel to Labasa to print worksheets, exam papers, and other necessary documents due to the lack of electricity. “Having electricity would significantly enhance our children’s learning, as it would allow for better lighting for extra classes and access to educational tools like televisions, laptops, and overhead projectors. It would also enable wi-fi access and allow devices to be charged,” he added.
DPS serves students from various local settlements, including Nayarable Village, Baleyaganiga Settlement, Nayaqalevu Settlement, Tabia Settlement, Dokanaisuva Settlement, and Namagala Settlement. The school infrastructure consists of four classrooms, a library, an early childhood education area, a headteacher’s office, and quarters for four teachers.
Mr. Tamaitugi mentioned that while parents recognize the school’s rural status, they continue to press him for assistance from the Ministry of Education, especially since urban schools seem to receive more government support. “There is no mobile network on the school premises, forcing teachers to hike to higher ground just to make phone calls,” he stated.
He expressed hope that the government would provide solar panels to motivate students to achieve better results in their studies. In response to inquiries in Parliament, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro assured that he would address the situation and provide a response.