Project Semata, Ciena’s initiative, will provide enhanced internet access to The Assemblies of God High School, Basden Anglican College, and Ratu Sukuna Memorial School.

Ciena claims the connection will benefit more than 2000 students and teachers across the three schools in Suva.

“This great initiative will enable us to be connected to the world, assisting us in the daily teaching and learning process. It will enable teachers to access the latest teaching methods. Students too will be at an advantage with a greater access to a variety of resources which can help them prepare well for any assessment or examination. Communication barriers between all school stakeholders will become a thing of the past and the Internet will be a great enabler for monitoring and informing parents about their child's performance in school,” commented Basden Anglican College school head Waisale Tavatuilagi.

“E-learning and teleworking are considered essential to full social and economic inclusion, making internet connectivity a necessity regardless of where you’re based. Through the Ciena Digital Inclusion program, it is a privilege to once again be working with Digicel Fiji and Southern Cross on Project Semata to address some of the gaps in rural connectivity,” said Ciena Asia Pacific regional managing director Philip Rolle.

“By providing enhanced internet access to these schools in Suva, we are empowering them with the tools and resources they need to learn, grow, and thrive,” said Digicel Fiji CEO Farid Mohammed.

“Project Semata has been greatly received in improving accessibility of learning materials and empowering the education of students and teachers in Savusavu, and Southern Cross is proud to expand this support into other schools in Fiji,” said Southern Cross CEO Laurie Miller.

In 2023, Project Semata supported Kamendra School, Savusavu Secondary School, and St. Bedes Secondary School in Savusavu, providing around 2,000 teachers and students with internet to support their learning journey with access to new online learning materials.

Ciena said in that same year Project Semata would support schools in Pacific Island communities in the next two years.