How Clean Energy is Transforming Education at Ratu Naivalu Memorial
On a remote island in Fiji’s Yasawa Group, renewable energy is creating new opportunities for students, teachers, and future generations. At Ratu Naivalu Memorial School, an innovative solar and battery storage installation replaced limited diesel power with reliable, around-the-clock energy — unlocking access to digital learning, internet connectivity, and modern classroom resources.
Led by the Pacific’s first all-female solar installation team, this project represents more than energy independence. It highlights how clean energy can expand educational access, strengthen local communities, and inspire the next generation of women in STEM and skilled trades.
Through a partnership focused on long-term impact, the school now benefits from dependable power across campus, supporting 121 students with improved learning environments and the technology needed to stay connected in an increasingly digital world.
Follow the journey of the all-female installation team as they bring solar energy and battery storage to one of Fiji’s remote island schools.
A Vision for Equity and Education
The success of the Ratu Naivalu project stems from a shared vision of outreach and empowerment. For Sequoya Cross, VP of Energy Storage for Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions, the project represents the intersection of industry innovation and social responsibility.
"Education and outreach have always been important to me, especially in overlooked and underserved populations," says Cross. "Encouraging more women to blaze a path in this dynamic industry is something that I’ll always champion. The ability to create energy access and stability in these regions with renewable energy is pivotal to the communities served."
From Diesel Generators to Digital Classrooms
For years, Ratu Naivalu Memorial relied on diesel generators that could only run for a few hours a day. This limited energy supply meant no consistent lighting for evening study and no reliable way to use modern technology. The It’s Time Foundation recognized that this energy poverty was a direct barrier to educational equity.
To maximize the impact of the new 24-hour power, the school was equipped with Starlink Satellite Internet, Laptops, and Smart TVs. This "educational ecosystem" ensures that being on a remote island is no longer a barrier to a world-class education.
"24-hour power, lights, computers, smart TVs – it is a complete game changer," says Timoci Cuva, Director of Ratu Naivalu Memorial School. "Our teachers can finally deliver their professional skills to their maximum capacity."
Breaking Barriers: The All-Female Installation Crew
The installation was a landmark for gender equity in STEM, completed by 10 engineering students from the University of the South Pacific and 9 professional solar technicians. This team proved that "Female Power meets Green Power," serving as an inspiration for the young girls at the school to consider careers in technical trades. The It’s Time Foundation organized the project specifically to strengthen leadership pathways for women in industries where they are traditionally underrepresented.
"All of us working together was inspiring for everyone," says Hepisipa Matekitonga, a solar technician with Clay Energy Fiji.
Reliable Technology for Long-Term Success
To ensure the school stays powered for decades, the It’s Time Foundation utilized six Briggs & Stratton SimpliPHI 6.6 batteries. This advanced storage technology allows the campus to run through the night and during inclement weather.
"We’ve worked with Briggs & Stratton for about seven years, and their new 6.6 batteries make installation so much easier," says Rob Edwards, founder of the It’s Time Foundation. "That’s great news for our in-country installers who we rely on to keep these systems running for the long haul."
A Sustainable Future
The transition to solar does more than protect the environment; it protects the school’s budget. The money saved on generator fuel creates a permanent "cash flow" that the school now uses to buy books, computers, and other vital resources.
As the It’s Time Foundation marches toward its goal of powering 200 island schools, Ratu Naivalu Memorial stands as a beacon of what is possible when clean energy meets a passion for education.