Ratu Naivalu Memorial School

Ratu Naivalu Memorial School sits on Waya Island in the Yasawa Islands. In March 2026 it became the first school we have powered with an all-women crew: twenty women who installed the whole system in seven days, believed to be a first for the Pacific.

What was installed

The crew put up an 18 kW array on the school roofs and on the ground, with batteries and inverters in the school's power room. They wired four school buildings, three hostels and ten teachers' homes. As part of the REnew Pacific program, the school also received Starlink internet, laptops and smart TVs.

"24-hour power, lights, computers, smart TVs – it is a complete game changer for the students. Our teachers can finally deliver their professional skills to their maximum capacity."– Timoci Cuva, Head Teacher

The hostels and teachers' homes are on the system too, so the power doesn't stop when classes end.

Built to last

The system is part of The Solar Fund (Fiji), which monitors it and pays for its servicing and repairs, so it keeps working long after the installers have gone.

The school was funded through the Australian Government's REnew Pacific program, with equipment from Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions, SMA, Clenergy and Trina Solar.

Meet the crew

Find out how we're bringing more women into solar on our Women in solar page.