Motukana Primary School in the highlands of Navosa/Nadroga, approximately 120 kilometers from Sigatoka town, will soon receive solar lights and electricity. The school, with an enrollment of 85 students, is part of the Solar Rooftop project. Head of School, Isimeli Druavesi, expressed gratitude to the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for facilitating this improvement.
“With ISA’s assistance, we now plan to introduce e-learning technologies for our students,” said Mr. Druavesi. “We aim to have a mini computer lab to help students and teachers connect with the world and adopt modern teaching methods.”
Currently, the school cannot offer evening or extra classes due to a lack of lighting when darkness falls. “Students in remote areas often miss out on literacy enhancement opportunities through evening classes. Proper lighting systems provided by electricity create a comfortable and safe learning environment, allowing students to concentrate on their studies free from distractions,” he added.
Access to electricity will allow the school to offer a wider range of online courses, virtual field trips, and collaborative projects, enriching the educational experiences of students and preparing them for success in a digital world, Mr. Druavesi noted.
ISA’s program head for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Sandeep Kaur Singh, highlighted that the lack of electricity in remote schools can lead to educational inequality for students in those areas. “One way to bridge this gap is by implementing sustainable and reliable electricity solutions, such as solar power systems,” she said.
Through ISA’s Solar Rooftop Project, solar panels will be installed on school buildings to generate electricity, ensuring students have access to technology and a modern education. “Advocating for improved infrastructure and resources in remote schools is crucial to ensuring all students have equal opportunities to learn and succeed. Collaboration among the community, government, and stakeholders can significantly address educational inequalities due to the lack of electricity in remote areas,” she added.
Recently, consultants contracted by ISA visited the school to assess its solar energy needs and those of the teachers’ quarters. They gathered data on daily average sunlight hours, the number of classrooms requiring electricity, electrical equipment to be used, and provisions for e-learning opportunities.