BSP and USP Empower Rural Based Burevanua District School.
BSP Financial Group (Fiji) Pte Limited (BSP) funded the project and provided sweat equity by staff who volunteered their time to work on site. The technical support was provided by USP Associate Professor in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mr. Utkal Mehta and USP volunteers.
BSP’s Area Manager West & North, Mr. Viliame Varasikete, officially handed over the project and reaffirmed BSP’s commitment to community development. “At BSP, we care about the communities we operate in. Helping childrens’ education aligns with our shared values of aspiring for excellence and growth. We are proud that it will also benefit nearby communities who may now host events here that will support their development”.
USP’s Associate Professor Utkal Mehta, alongside USP volunteers, provided technical expertise in designing, installing and optimising a sustainable solar power solution, ensuring reliable energy access for the school. The enhanced solar power system now powers the entire school and benefits the wider community. “This initiative is a testament to the impact of strong partnerships between academia and businesses. By integrating solar power into the school’s infrastructure, we are not only providing reliable electricity but also exposing students to renewable energy technology, fostering innovation and supporting global sustainability goals,” he said.
School Head Teacher, Master Maika Vauseu, expressed gratitude for the project’s impact. “This initiative is a game-changer for our students. They do not have electricity at home which limits learning to daylight hours. With solar-powered lights in the school the children, including the secondary school students living in the village, use the classrooms to complete assignments, study and do research on the internet. The solar system has excess capacity, which is also shared with the community, allowing them to charge their phones and hold village meetings at the school in the evenings. The addition of a separate toilet block for Early Childhood Education and Years 1 and 2 will enhance the safety and experience of our younger students. We are deeply thankful to BSP and USP for making this possible.”
An elder of the community, Filipe Kianivale, shared some history before the school was built in 1957, bringing to life the struggles and sacrifices of past generations. He recalled how, in those days, children had to walk for miles through thick forests, across rivers, over rough terrain and in all weather conditions just to reach the nearest school. Yet, their parents continued to work on their vision of a school in the village because they believed that education was the key to a better future.
“The elders came together with a shared dream— to build a primary school right here in our community so that no small child would have to endure such hardship just to learn. But it was not easy. There were no roads back then. They carted building materials through rough terrain and floated them on bamboo rafts to reach the village. For decades, Burevanua District School has stood as a beacon of hope, providing education despite the many challenges, including the absence of electricity. It has shaped leaders, professionals, and proud members of our community. With this BSP community project completed, our children finally have access to tools and resources they need to compete on the same level as students in urban areas”.
The project reflects BSP and USP’s shared commitment to education, environmental sustainability and community empowerment. Through this collaborative effort, both organisations continue to drive positive change, ensuring a resilient and brighter future for Fiji’s rural communities.