Electricity could greatly enhance the educational experience for students and teachers at Domonisavu Primary School in Nayarabale, Cakaudrove. The school, which serves 67 students from kindergarten to grade eight, has not had electricity for the past seven years.
Situated 60 kilometers from Labasa town, the school employs five teachers. School manager Manoa Tamaitugi recounted that when the community built the school in 1960, they relied on kerosene lamps, and later purchased a generator for power supply. In 2007, the school received a significant solar panel from the European Union, but it ceased functioning after ten years.
Since 2017, school officials have made both verbal and written requests to the Ministry of Education for assistance in providing solar panels. Due to the lack of electricity, teachers must travel to Labasa to print worksheets, exams, and other educational materials.
“Having electricity would transform our students’ learning experience. Beyond providing printing and photocopying capabilities, it would enable students to participate in extra classes in a well-lit environment,” Mr. Tamaitugi noted.
He also emphasized that with electricity, teachers could use improved teaching aids like televisions, laptops, and overhead projectors. Furthermore, access to Wi-Fi would allow devices to be charged on-site.
The student body at Domonisavu Primary School comes from several nearby communities, including Nayarable Village and various settlements. The school has four classrooms, a library, an early childhood education space, a headteacher’s office, and four teacher quarters on its grounds.
Mr. Tamaitugi indicated that while parents recognize the school’s rural setting, they continue to encourage him to seek support from the Ministry of Education, especially seeing other urban schools receiving government assistance.
“The lack of network coverage means teachers often need to hike up the mountain to make mobile phone calls,” he explained.
He expressed hope that the government would provide solar panels to better motivate students and enhance their learning conditions. Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro, when questioned in Parliament, assured that he would investigate the matter and provide a response.