Electricity has the potential to significantly enhance the educational experience for students and teachers at Domonisavu Primary School in Nayarabale, Cakaudrove.
With an enrollment of 67 students spanning from kindergarten to class eight, the school has been without electricity for the past seven years. Located 60 kilometers from Labasa town, Domonisavu Primary School employs five teachers.
School manager Manoa Tamaitugi explained that when the community built the school in 1960, they relied on kerosene lamps and later purchased a generator for electricity needs. “In 2007, we received a large solar panel thanks to the European Union, but it broke down after ten years,” he noted.
Since 2017, they have made verbal and written requests to the Ministry of Education for assistance in acquiring new solar panels. “Currently, teachers must travel to Labasa to print worksheets, exam papers, and other educational documents due to the lack of electricity at the school,” Tamaitugi added.
He emphasized that having electricity would significantly enhance learning opportunities, allowing students to attend extra classes with improved lighting, as well as enabling teachers to utilize better teaching aids such as televisions, laptops, and overhead projectors. Additionally, it would provide access to Wi-Fi and allow devices to be recharged.
The students hail from surrounding areas including Nayarable Village, Baleyaganiga Settlement, Nayaqalevu Settlement, Tabia Settlement, Dokanaisuva Settlement, and Namagala Settlement. The school features four classrooms, a library, an early childhood education center, a headteacher’s office, and quarters for four teachers.
Tamaitugi mentioned that while parents recognize the challenges of a rural school, they continue to urge him to seek support from the Ministry of Education as urban schools receive government assistance. He pointed out the lack of mobile network coverage in the area, stating, “Teachers must walk up the mountain just to make phone calls.”
There is hope that the government will provide solar panels, which could inspire students to excel in their studies. When questioned in Parliament about the situation, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro assured that he would investigate the matter and respond accordingly.