Remote North Vella La Vella Schools Connected to High-Speed Internet

Four remote schools in North Vella La Vella gain high-speed internet with Starlink and solar systems to boost education.

Teachers and students of Iriqilla School receiving their ICT equipment.

Students of Sibila Community High and Primary School with their ICT equipment ready for installation.

Sibila Community High School Principal Clera smile as she enjoys accessing internet for the first time at the school.

Four remote schools in North Vella La Vella Constituency (NVC), Western Province, are now connected to high-speed internet following the installation of Starlink satellite technology with solar off-grid systems earlier this month.

The NVC, under the leadership of Member of Parliament Clezy Rore, funded the communications technology project through its Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation. The initiative aims to improve connectivity and ensure equitable digital access so that students and teachers in even the most remote areas are not left behind.

Schools connected under this project include Sibila Community High and Primary, Vare-Tutty Primary, Iriqilla Community High and Primary, and Leaona Community High and Primary. These schools are located in Karaka Village, Dovele Compound, Iriqilla Village, Vatoro Village, and Leona Jorio Compound.

unnamed (4) — Handing over of ICT equipment by CPO Stephen Lupeqeto to Sibila
Community High School Principal Clera.

The ICT equipment and utilities were supplied and installed by Smart Technology Company Ltd. The project was funded under the NVC 2024 CDF budget allocation at a cost of $206,250. Equipment included:

5 Starlink 4th Generation Version 4 full-set kits
5 Bluetti AC70P Power Stations (1000W)
5 Solar Panels (200W)
5 HP EliteOne 800 G5 AIO Desktops
3 Bluetti Photography Backpacks

Constituency Project Officer (CPO) Stephen Lupeqeto said the installation was completed successfully, with school management expressing gratitude for the project. He noted that many schools in North Vella La Vella face challenges in accessing reliable communication and digital resources, which limits opportunities for online learning and research.

Schools finally access fast internet service.

Installation of Starlink Satellite.

“Many schools in North Vella La Vella face challenges in accessing reliable communication and digital resources, hindering students’ and teachers’ ability to access online educational materials to support their studies and research projects. Now, with the provision of this internet access, these schools will be able to access online educational resources, conduct virtual learning and training, and utilize digital tools for administration and classroom learning,” Lupeqeto said.

The project aligns with the Ministry of Education’s ICT in Education Master Plan 2026–2030 and is part of NVC’s broader commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality education. Lupeqeto also acknowledged the work of Smart Technology Company Ltd. for completing the installation on time and to a high standard.

SOURCE : Ministry of Rural Development