Motukana Primary School, situated in the highlands of Navosa/Nadroga and approximately 120 kilometers from Sigatoka town, is set to receive solar lights and electricity supply soon.
The school, which has 85 students, has been selected to benefit from the Solar Rooftop project. Head of School, Isimeli Druavesi, expressed his gratitude to the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for making this possible.
“With ISA’s assistance, the school plans to introduce e-learning technologies for its students,” said Mr. Druavesi. “We will establish a mini computer lab to connect students and teachers with the wider world, adopting modern teaching methods.”
He noted that currently, evening classes or extra sessions for students are not feasible due to the lack of lighting. “Students in remote areas are often denied the opportunity to improve their literacy skills through evening classes. Proper lighting systems provided by electricity create a comfortable and safe learning environment.”
“This fosters a more engaging and productive educational setting, allowing students to focus on their studies without distractions. Access to electricity enables schools to offer a wider range of online courses, virtual field trips, and collaborative projects, enriching students’ educational experiences and preparing them for success in an increasingly digital world,” added Mr. Druavesi.
ISA’s program head for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Sandeep Kaur Singh, highlighted that a lack of electricity in remote schools contributes to educational inequality. “Implementing solutions like solar power systems can provide sustainable and reliable electricity to remote schools, bridging this gap,” she said.
Through ISA’s Solar Rooftop Project, solar panels will be installed on school buildings to generate electricity, ensuring students have access to technology and benefit from a modern education. “It’s essential to advocate for better infrastructure and resources for remote schools to ensure equal learning opportunities. Cooperation among the community, government, and stakeholders can significantly impact addressing education inequalities caused by lack of electricity in remote schools.”
Recently, ISA-contracted consultants visited the school to perform assessments and identify its solar energy requirements. They also gathered relevant data, including the daily average hours of sunlight, the number of classrooms needing electricity, the electrical equipment to be used and installed, and provisions for e-learning opportunities.