Electricity has the potential to significantly enhance the educational experience for students and teachers at Domonisavu Primary School in Nayarabale, Cakaudrove.
The school, which serves 67 students from kindergarten through eighth grade, has not had access to electricity for the past seven years. Located 60 kilometers from Labasa town, it employs five teachers.
School manager Manoa Tamaitugi explained that when the school was built by the community in 1960, they initially used kerosene lamps and later acquired a generator for electricity. “Thanks to the European Union in 2007, we received a large solar panel, but it broke down after ten years,” Mr. Tamaitugi stated.
Since 2017, the school has made both verbal and written requests to the Ministry of Education for assistance in providing solar panels. Teachers frequently travel to Labasa to print worksheets, exam papers, and other educational materials due to the lack of electricity.
The introduction of electricity would make a considerable difference in the students’ learning environment. It would allow for better lighting for extra classes and enable access to teaching aids such as televisions, laptops, and overhead projectors. Additionally, it would provide Wi-Fi connectivity and the ability to recharge devices.
Students of Domonisavu Primary School come from various nearby settlements, including Nayarable Village, Baleyaganiga Settlement, Nayaqalevu Settlement, Tabia Settlement, Dokanaisuva Settlement, and Namagala Settlement. The school’s infrastructure consists of four classrooms, a library, an early childhood education facility, the headteacher’s office, and four teachers’ quarters.
Mr. Tamaitugi mentioned that while parents recognize the school’s rural setting, they are eager for assistance from the Ministry of Education, particularly since urban schools have been receiving government support. “There is no network at the school; teachers have to walk up the mountain just to make mobile phone calls,” he added.
The school community remains hopeful that the government can provide solar panel support to motivate students to excel in their studies. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro recently assured that he would investigate the matter and provide a response.