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 eighth grade, has been without electricity for the past seven years.
Located 60 kilometers from Labasa town, Domonisavu Primary School employs five teachers. According to school manager Manoa Tamaitugi, the community constructed the school in 1960, initially using kerosene lamps before purchasing a generator for electricity.
“In 2007, we received a large solar panel thanks to the European Union, but it broke down after ten years,” Mr. Tamaitugi explained. He noted that since 2017, the school has made both verbal and written requests to the Ministry of Education for assistance in providing new solar panels.
Teachers currently travel to Labasa to print worksheets, exam papers, and other educational materials due to the lack of electricity at the school. Mr. Tamaitugi emphasized that reliable electricity would greatly improve the learning environment for students, allowing for better lighting, more resources such as printing and photocopying machines, and the opportunity for extra classes.
Moreover, with electricity, teachers would have access to improved teaching aids including televisions, laptops, and projectors, along with internet connectivity and the ability to recharge devices.
The students at Domonisavu Primary come from various local settlements including Nayarable Village, Baleyaganiga Settlement, Nayaqalevu Settlement, Tabia Settlement, Dokanaisuva Settlement, and Namagala Settlement. The school comprises four classrooms, one library, an early childhood education facility, a headteacher’s office, and quarters for four teachers.
While parents acknowledge the rural nature of the school, they continue to urge Mr. Tamaitugi to seek assistance from the Ministry of Education, especially given the support that urban schools receive from the government. He added, “There is no network in the school, so teachers have to walk up to the mountain just to make mobile phone calls.”
Mr. Tamaitugi expressed hope that the government would help supply solar panels, motivating students to perform better academically. During a recent parliamentary session, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro assured that he would investigate the matter and provide a response.