Solar power, starlink connectivity bring new life to Serua schools

Students and teachers at two schools in Serua are now learning with clean, reliable energy and internet, following the launch of new solar energy systems and Starlink at Nuku Secondary School and St Peter Chanel Primary School last Friday.

Nuku Secondary School, which serves 121 students in Nuku and nearby villages, and St Peter Chanel Primary School, with 110 students, are now powered by clean energy and connected to the digital world.

Both schools have received solar systems, internet access and digital learning equipment, extending support to classrooms and teachers’ quarters.

The project is delivered through a partnership between the Ministry of Education, Australian NGO It’s Time Foundation and the Australian Government’s REnew Pacific programme.

It will provide 24-hour solar power, internet connectivity and digital learning facilities to 31 remote and maritime schools across Fiji.

At Nuku Secondary School, students, teachers and community members gathered to witness the commissioning — a moment marking a shift in how children in these communities will learn.

Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro said reliable electricity from solar systems can transform learning in rural communities, helping ensure students and teachers have the power, connectivity and opportunities they need to thrive.

High Commissioner Peter Roberts said: “It was wonderful to join the Hon. Minister Radrodro, the school community and, of course, the students of Nuku Secondary and St Peter Chanel Primary schools to celebrate the commissioning of this project. It’s a powerful example of how renewable energy infrastructure can build resilience and strengthen education outcomes for remote and maritime communities. Australia is proud to partner with Fiji to help ensure schools have the energy and technology they need.”

Rob Edwards, chief executive officer of It’s Time Foundation, said: “This project is helping close the energy and technology gap for rural and remote schools. With a long-term maintenance model in place, these systems are designed to support students and teachers for generations to come.”

Beyond classrooms, the initiative is also improving basic services.

Through REnew Pacific, a second project in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute, the Water Authority of Fiji and the Department of Water and Sewerage will install solar-hybrid and water pumping systems in seven maritime island communities.

This is expected to improve water reliability for nearly 5000 people in Lakeba, Rotuma and Vanua Balavu.

The initiative complements Australia’s support to the Fiji Rural Electrification Fund, which is extending solar power access to remote and maritime communities.