Electricity has the potential to significantly enhance the educational experience for both students and teachers at Domonisavu Primary School in Nayarabale, Cakaudrove.
The school, which serves 67 students ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade, has been without electricity for the past seven years. It is situated 60 kilometers from Labasa town and staffed by five teachers.
School manager Manoa Tamaitugi recounted that the community established the school in 1960, initially using kerosene lamps and later acquiring a generator for power supply. “In 2007, we were fortunate to receive a large solar panel from the European Union, but it ceased functioning after ten years,” he stated.
Since 2017, the school has made repeated verbal and written requests to the Ministry of Education for assistance in obtaining solar panels. “Due to the lack of electricity, teachers have to travel to Labasa to print worksheets, exam papers, and other educational materials,” Mr. Tamaitugi explained.
He emphasized that having electricity would transform students’ learning opportunities, allowing for additional classes with improved lighting and enabling the use of better educational tools such as televisions, laptops, and projectors. Furthermore, it would provide access to Wi-Fi and allow devices to be charged.
The students come from various nearby communities, including Nayarable Village, Baleyaganiga Settlement, Nayaqalevu Settlement, Tabia Settlement, Dokanaisuva Settlement, and Namagala Settlement. The school has four classrooms, a library, an early childhood education center, the headteacher’s office, and quarters for four teachers within the compound.
Mr. Tamaitugi noted that while parents recognize the rural nature of the school, they continue to urge him to seek assistance from the Ministry of Education, especially since urban schools are receiving governmental support.
“The school has no mobile network coverage, and teachers must walk up the mountain to make phone calls,” he said. He expressed hope that the government would provide solar panels to inspire the children to excel academically.
When approached in Parliament, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro assured that he would look into the matter and provide a response.