More than 600 students in Fiji are set to engage in a dynamic, hands-on education program centered around Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) next week. The initiative, primarily involving students from Nadi Airport School, focuses on renewable energy, where participants will learn about solar technology and assemble solar-powered lights. These lights will be distributed to children in communities lacking access to reliable electricity, ensuring they have adequate resources to study at night.
Madhur Prakash, the head of Nadi Airport School, emphasized the project’s dual focus on education and social impact, stating, “This is more than just a science lesson – it’s a real-world opportunity for our students to make a difference in the lives of other Fijian children.” The event highlights a commitment to nurturing STEM knowledge among Pacific students, empowering them to become catalysts for change within their communities.
Supported by Airbus, Solar Buddy, and Fiji Airways, this event will see participating students construct Solar Junior Buddy lights, with a total of 750 lights designated for distribution in the Western Division, in partnership with the Ministry of Education Divisional Office (West). This program marks the initial phase of a national rollout aimed at providing solar-powered study lights to underserved students and teachers across Fiji.
The initiative aligns with national education goals to enhance learning opportunities in off-grid rural and maritime regions, coinciding with Fiji’s pledge to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030. Airbus Chief Representative for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific, Stephen Forshaw, expressed pride in supporting this initiative, emphasizing its role in enhancing lives through sustainable energy solutions.
Further building on this commitment, recent efforts have been noted at Buakonikai Primary School on Rabi Island, which has also made strides in renewable energy through a partnership helping to provide off-grid solar solutions. Such initiatives collectively highlight the transformative power of renewable energy in education and community development across the Pacific, paving the way for a more sustainable future for students in Fiji.
The proactive measures taken in these educational programs not only support academic growth but also instill essential values of empathy and innovation among young learners, fostering a generation equipped to address future challenges within their communities.
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