Students and teachers of Buakonikai Primary School on Rabi are now enjoying improved access to renewable electricity and internet thanks to Australia’s Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP).
The Australian Government, in partnership with the Fiji Ministry of Education and Its Time Foundation, launched last week a new solar power system and Starlink satellite internet connection at the remote island school.
The PCIFP is an AUD350 million Australian Government initiative, aimed at enhancing climate infrastructure in the Pacific and Timor-Leste over the next two years.
The partnership will also develop an effective model for monitoring and maintaining the solar energy system at Buakonikai Primary School that could be replicated across other schools in Fiji.
Australian High Commission’s Counsellor Infrastructure & Climate Resilience Louise Scott noted the new solar system at Buakonikai Primary School will have a “transformational impact on students’ learning outcomes”.
Buakonikai Primary School Headteacher, Katarina Tubekor, acknowledged the support, saying: “Our young people deserve to have every opportunity to reach their full potential and I’m excited to see what new opportunities are now available to them.”
Its Time Foundation’s Founder Rob Edwards OAM said: “In just six months, we’ve demonstrated what can be achieved by enabling children and young people in remote communities to access the benefits of a modern education that increasingly rely on computers and other electronic resources.
“We’re excited to build on our record of installing 30 remote school solar systems in Fiji, and to develop a sustainable maintenance and funding model that will keep the lights on, now and into the future.”
