WITH the world quickly evolving through technological and societal change, rural people no longer feel isolated.
The internet has bridged the digital divide and opened up the world to them. It has enabled access to remote work, quality education and expanded markets, among other things.
This technology access also improves quality of life.
For the village of Draubuta in Noikoro district, Navosa, technology has forever changed their lives.
The introduction of Starlink internet service to the village has not only allowed villagers to stay connected with their loved ones but has allowed villagers to get easy access to critical information.
With quick and affordable connectivity, youths in Draubuta are now aware of the types of services available to them, the assistance offered by government and other organisations, and easy access to educational support through the internet.
Geographical barrier is no longer a hindrance to growth for the village. They don’t have to travel for hours anymore to get assisted – with just the press of a button or simply by logging in they can connect to people, businesses or organisations from the comfort of their homes.
CMFI Draubuta Youth president, Viliame Gaso Junior said, like it or not, the internet was like food and water for village youths.
“The young people today are different from their older generations; they are curious to know what is happening around them.
“They want to be informed and stay connected wherever they are .”
The Starlink service
Seeing the necessity of having internet available in the village, the CMFI Draubuta Youths discussed with their elders the idea of setting up a Starlink internet service.
After coming to an agreement, the youths made the move to acquire a Starlink pack from Telecom.
They also saw that not a lot of villages in the highlands offered internet service hence the idea of setting one up to generate income was mooted.
From the money they had set aside from their solesolevaki (communal assistance), the youths bought the Starlink pack.
“We had $5000 saved so we bought the pack and set it up with the guidance of the Telecom team,” Gaso said.
“The youths helped out in installing the solar panels. When everything was complete, the villagers quickly took advantage of the service.
“We offer a reliable internet service and charge different rates for the WIFI. For one hour we charge $2, for two hours its $4, for three days its $25 and for five days its $35.
Villagers, especially youths do not have to climb hills anymore to get an internet signal.
Gaso said with superior internet connection their former problems are a thing of the past.
“I do a lot of work via the internet. Before, in order to send emails or respond to project requests or reports I had to hike up a hill. Now it’s easy and convenient.
“Now elders can also enjoy connecting with family and friends from the comfort of their homes, no more trying to find a signal out in the scorching sun.”
The Starlink service has a download speed of 367 mbps (megabits per second). A typical home internet speed ranges from 30 to 100 mbps, making the 367 mbps much faster out in a remote area.
The service is perfect for multiple users and can accommodate streaming, video calls, downloads, online gaming et cetera.
Financial support
Through their new internet service youths are now benefiting financially.
Apart from their solesolevaki activity, the Starlink has allowed them to save more money – helping them financially with their church programs and other youth and vanua obligations.
“We earn more than $2000 from the internet service. We have been able to support our new cooperative with the money we’ve earned,” Gaso said.
“We bought goods to sell in our youth cooperative store– a business project we hope will encourage and motivate youths. This is just the beginning.”
More on the Draubuta youth development next week.
Villagers get to enjoy watchign rugby through the internet. Picture: VILIAME GASO JUNIOR
The youths helped with the installation of the Starlink Service solar panels in Navosa. Picture: VILIAME GASO JUNIOR
A poster showing Draubuta youths’ WIFI rates. Picture: VILIAME GASO JUNIOR
Draubuta youths sit down to discuss about development programs in the village. Picture: VILIAME GASO JUNIOR
Starlink installation at Draubuta Village. Picture: SUPPLIED
Youths stay connected. The days of climbing hills are gone. Picture: VILIAME GASO JUNIOR
