A primary school in the interior of Nadroga/Navosa will soon receive a solar power supply, courtesy of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
Motukana Primary School, situated 120 kilometers from Sigatoka Town, serves 85 students.
“Lack of electricity in remote schools can indeed lead to education inequalities for students in those areas,” stated Sandeep Kaur Singh, ISA’s program head for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). “One way to help bridge this gap is by implementing solutions that provide sustainable and reliable electricity to remote schools, such as solar power systems.”
“Through the ISA’s Solar Rooftop Project, solar panels will be installed on school buildings to generate electricity, ensuring that students have access to technology and can benefit from a more modern and well-rounded education.”
Consultants hired by the ISA have visited the school to perform assessments and identify its solar energy needs, including those of the teachers’ quarters.
“Currently, we are unable to offer evening or extra classes to students when it gets dark due to the lack of lights. This denies our students in remote areas the chance to enhance their literacy skills through evening classes,” said head teacher, Isimeli Druavesi.
Access to electricity allows schools to provide a wider range of online courses, virtual field trips, and collaborative projects, enriching students’ educational experiences and preparing them for success in an increasingly digital world.