Gov’t Assists Lata Solar And Electrical School

Gov’t Assists Lata Solar And Electrical School

By George Herming

The government has announced a $125,000 financial assistance to the Sunrise Solar and Electrical Skills Training Center in Lata, Temotu province.

Minister of Commerce, Industries and Employment Peter Shanel announced the assistance when officiating at the school’s first-ever graduation ceremony Wednesday last week.

Mr Shanel and Foreign Affairs Minister Patterson Oti led a high level government delegation to Santa Cruz on a mission to identify and assess how government can help people in Temotu develop their resources under the present government’s bottom up approach policy.

Twenty students including a woman graduated after completing Basic Introduction to Solar Energy since the opening of the school in February last year.

Mr Shanel said he was impressed with the center’s set-up and commitment to utilize sun energy to electrify their communities.

“Sun is everywhere and energy is one of the main catalysts of development.

“The simplicity of sun energy and technology to power development in this province is impressive and the government under its rural electrification program will continue to support rural areas in their energy needs,” Mr Shanel said.

The intention to setup the school has met difficulties until Foreign Affairs Minister and MP for Temotu Nende Patterson Oti used constituency development funds in collaboration with Willies Electrical School (SITAFE) to help the school’s establishment.

Mr Oti said solar power and technology today has reduced the energy burden facing women and children for many years.

A sole female graduating student from the school, Ellen Lyno said solar power has a lot of benefits for women and children in rural areas.

“As a rural woman who has used solar power, I can proudly say that solar has a lot of benefits which in the long run is cheaper than electricity power supply and home kerosene as well.

“It can be set up in the village where diesel electrical power supply cannot reach,” she said.

Mrs Lyno said life for her family and community was made easier after the establishment of solar power and technology since 2006.

“Every woman can make life easier and productive if they use solar power as a means instead of home kerosene or electricity power.

“Having used solar myself, I don’t have to worry about power control, power bills and kerosene prices.

“I have no hesitation in recommending solar power to every woman in the province and the nation as a whole,” Ms Lyno said.

The school will run advance solar courses for students in the second half of this year.

ENDS