Motukana Primary School, located in the highlands of Navosa/Nadroga, approximately 120 kilometers from Sigatoka town, will soon be equipped with solar lights and electricity.
The school, with an enrollment of 85 students, has been selected to benefit from the Solar Rooftop project. The Head of School, Isimeli Druavesi, expressed gratitude to the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for this initiative.
“With ISA’s assistance, the school plans to introduce e-learning technologies for our students,” said Mr. Druavesi. “We will establish a mini computer lab to help students and teachers connect with the wider world and adopt modern teaching methods.”
Currently, the school is unable to offer evening or extra classes due to the lack of lighting. “Students in remote areas often miss the opportunity to enhance their literacy skills through evening classes. Proper lighting systems made possible by electricity create a comfortable and safe learning environment. This promotes a more engaging and productive learning atmosphere, allowing students to focus on their studies without distractions,” he added.
Access to electricity will enable the school to provide a broader range of online courses, virtual field trips, and collaborative projects, thereby enriching students’ educational experiences and preparing them for success in an increasingly digital world.
ISA’s programme head for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Sandeep Kaur Singh, emphasized that the lack of electricity in remote schools can lead to educational inequality. “One way to bridge this gap is by implementing sustainable and reliable electricity solutions for remote schools, 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 that students have access to technology and benefit from a modern education. Singh stressed the importance of advocating for improved infrastructure and resources for remote schools to ensure equal learning opportunities for all students. Collaborative efforts by the community, government, and stakeholders can significantly address educational inequalities caused by the lack of electricity.
Recently, ISA-contracted consultants visited the school to conduct assessments and determine the solar energy requirements for the school and teachers’ quarters. They also gathered data on daily average sunlight, the number of classrooms needing electricity, the electrical equipment to be used, and provisions for e-learning opportunities.
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