Solar electricity is giving school children of Lavena in Taveuni the opportunity to enhance their learning and to dream big for the future.

Home to about eighty families, with close to a hundred school children, Lavena village lies at the Northern tip of Taveuni.

Last year, in August 49 of the 71 homes in the village were fitted with solar home systems, including the school, Lavena Primary School.

Village headman, Petero Waisea says the provision of solar power by government has made learning and studying much more efficient for the school children.

“Previously we sent our children to Bouma because academically they were not doing well. Now that we have power, we have seen an improvement in their grades.”

Before, students studied under kerosene and benzene lamps and lanterns.

Year 8 Lavena Primary School Prefect, Iosefo Rasiliva says he is grateful they now have proper lights at home.

“Having this solar power has really helped me in my studying especially since i am sitting for the Eighth year Exam this year.”

Come 2020, all the 71 homes in Lavena Village will be fitted with solar units, giving more children the opportunity to enhance their learning.