STEM Education Day and Solar Lighting Initiative Launched to Empower Rural Students

The Minister for Education, Hon. Aseri Radrodro, has officially launched STEM Education Day at Nadi Airport School, along with a groundbreaking solar lighting initiative aimed at improving learning outcomes for students in rural Fiji.

In a strong push to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) across the country, the event also marked the rollout of SolarBuddy study lights – solar-powered lamps set to benefit children in off-grid communities who lack access to reliable electricity.

“This is more than just a light. It brings hope where there are challenges and shines opportunity into dark spaces,” said Minister Radrodro during the launch.

The initiative is fully funded by Airbus and delivered in partnership with SolarBuddy and Fiji Airways, reflecting a collective effort to tackle energy poverty and ensure students can study at night, regardless of their geographical location.

“Whether you live in the city or on a remote island, you deserve the same opportunity to learn, to grow, and to shine,” Radrodro added, emphasizing the government's commitment to equal education access.

The launch aligns with Fiji’s goal to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030 and reinforces the importance of sustainable development in education.

The Minister said the solar lights, though small in size, would have a "huge impact" on student achievement by enabling more effective home study in under-resourced areas.

Picture: Ministry of Education