Buakonikai Primary School on Rabi Island has pioneered a significant milestone as the first school in Fiji to establish a two-year off-grid renewable energy partnership, coinciding with an early commemoration of International Women’s Day. This groundbreaking initiative, funded by the Australian government through the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP) and part of the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), seeks to provide sustainable solar energy solutions to remote schools throughout Fiji.
Prior to this project, Buakonikai Primary School encountered severe challenges due to a lack of electricity, which limited teachers’ abilities to print educational materials, send emails, and access online resources essential for quality education. Students were heavily reliant on outdated textbooks, which severely constrained their learning experiences. However, the newly installed solar-powered energy system has dramatically changed this situation. Now, for the first time, the school’s four female teachers and 101 students have reliable access to electricity, enabling them to utilize modern educational tools and connect to the internet.
Head teacher Katarina Tubekoro expressed the transformative influence this initiative has had on students’ learning, stating, “Previously, our students could only imagine what the world looked like, but now we can introduce them to real-life science experiments, documentaries, and interactive lessons.” Teacher Margaret Corrie, a local from Rabi, highlighted the excitement surrounding enhanced science education, noting the students’ wonder when encountering digital technology for the first time. “When they first saw a digital television, they were in awe. Now they don’t want to leave school because they’re enthusiastic to learn,” she added.
The project also stands out for being led by women in the renewable energy field, including Vasiti Talakubu, a licensed electrician with over ten years of experience in installing solar energy systems in remote regions. Talakubu is committed to proving that women can shine in industries traditionally dominated by men. “I wanted to show that women belong in this field too,” she affirmed.
The AIFFP has allocated AUD100 million towards renewable energy ventures across the Pacific, aiming to promote sustainable and long-term access to electricity for schools, households, and businesses, which directly addresses the educational needs of remote communities.
This initiative not only marks a significant advancement in educational infrastructure but also underscores the empowering potential of renewable energy to uplift women and improve conditions for future generations in Fiji. By investing in clean energy solutions, the project paves the way for enhanced educational opportunities, fostering a brighter future for the island’s youth.
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