Powering a sustainable solar energy model for Fiji’s remote school communities

About this project

Its Time Foundation, in partnership with Fiji’s Ministry of Education and the Australian Government, is helping remote schools across Fiji overcome long-standing barriers to quality education caused by unreliable or absent electricity.

It builds on a 2024 pilot Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnership, funded through AIFFP, which delivered clean solar power and internet connectivity to Buakonikai Primary School on remote Rabi Island. Just six months on from the solar system launching, the school reported improved classroom engagement, expanded digital learning and annual savings of over AUD 6,000 in fuel costs, which are reinvested in education. Buakonikai is now a blueprint for how clean energy can boost education, reduce emissions and build community resilience in the Pacific.

Building on this success, the expanded partnership will install high-quality off-grid solar systems in 30 additional schools and teacher homes, delivering 24-hour reliable power that is future-proofed to meet energy needs through 2035 and beyond.

To maximise impact, the project includes new or upgraded electrical wiring, Starlink internet and simple computer labs to help bridge the digital divide for students while improving teaching conditions. Long-term sustainability is supported through the Solar Fund (Fiji) and ongoing monitoring.

The partnership also promotes gender equality through targeted training for women in solar installation and electrical trades and aligns with Fiji’s education and climate resilience priorities.

In remote Fijian island communities, many schools continue to rely on costly, carbon-emitting diesel generators that run for only a few hours a day, if at all. This unreliable energy supply limits students’ access to digital learning tools, widens the education gap between urban and rural areas and makes it difficult to attract and retain teachers. The lack of lighting and connectivity also affects safety and inclusion, particularly for girls and students with disabilities.

Solar power is recognised as the most effective and sustainable energy solution for off-grid schools in the Pacific. However, many systems fail prematurely due to inadequate design, poor-quality equipment and the absence of long-term maintenance strategies or funding. When well-designed and properly maintained, solar systems can continue to provide service for 20 to25 years.

Its Time Foundation has more than a decade of experience delivering high-quality solar solutions to several remote schools across Fiji. Their approach focuses on durable equipment, strong partnerships with local stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education and inclusive delivery models that prioritise safety, accessibility and gender equality. The Foundation ensures that investments in renewable energy deliver long-term, transformative impact for students, teachers, and communities alike.

This new partnership marks a major step forward in our mission to ensure every child in Fiji has access to safe, modern education, regardless of where they live.
 
We’re building on the success of our earlier pilot to bring reliable solar power, internet connectivity and long-term sustainability to 30 more remote schools. It’s not just about clean energy, it’s about opportunity, equity and lasting impact for communities across the Pacific.

– Rob Edwards OAM

Founder, Its Time Foundation

Providing solar power to remote schools brings light to classrooms, hope to students and relief to teachers. It powers learning, reduces costs and protects the planet, turning every sunrise into a promise of opportunity, resilience and a brighter future for education.

– Kaushik Lal

Senior Education Officer, Ministry of Education, Fiji

Our young people deserve to have every opportunity to reach their full potential and I’m excited to see what new opportunities are now available to them as their access to energy and the internet improves.

– Katarina Tubekoro

Headteacher, Buakonaki Primary School

I want to show women that they have a place in these industries. Whether it’s working on installations or teaching others, there is a need for women in this space. And the more of us who step up, the stronger our communities become.

– Vasiti Talakubu

Solar technician, Its Time Foundation