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 from kindergarten to class eight, has been without electricity for the past seven years.
Located 60 kilometers from Labasa town, the school is staffed by 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.
“In 2007, we received a large solar panel from the European Union, but it broke down after ten years,” Mr. Tamaitugi explained. “Since 2017, we have repeatedly requested assistance from the Ministry of Education for solar panels to support our school.”
Due to the lack of electricity, teachers are forced to travel to Labasa to print worksheets, exam papers, and other essential educational materials. Mr. Tamaitugi emphasized that electricity would transform students’ learning experiences by allowing for better lighting for extra classes and providing access to printing and photocopying machines.
He noted that with electricity, teachers could utilize teaching aids such as televisions, laptops, and overhead projectors. Improved connectivity would also facilitate internet access and the charging of devices. The students come from various local communities, including Nayarable Village, Baleyaganiga Settlement, Nayaqalevu Settlement, Tabia Settlement, Dokanaisuva Settlement, and Namagala Settlement.
The school’s facilities include four classrooms, a library, an early childhood education center, a headteacher’s office, and four teacher quarters. Mr. Tamaitugi mentioned that while parents understand the challenges of a rural school, they continue to urge him to seek assistance from the Ministry of Education, especially since urban schools receive support from the government.
“There is no network at the school, and teachers have to trek up the mountain to make mobile calls,” he said. “We are hopeful that the government will help us with solar panels to motivate our children to excel in their studies.”
In response to inquiries in Parliament, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro assured that he would investigate the matter and provide a response.