ILLUMINATING FUTURES
Solar light for every student in Manus.
For those living in developed countries, where light comes on at the flick of a switch, it’s hard to conceive that for thousands of students in Manus, darkness at 5.30pm means homework not done, and potential quietly going to waste. No power. No light. No studying.
THE CHALLENGE
Manus is a largely subsistence economy, and many parents struggle to provide lighting for their children’s nighttime study. Manus Division of Education introduced a “one light per child” policy for students — but progress has been slow, in part because Manus’ 95+ schools are spread across 600kms of sea.
THE PROGRAMME
Since 2024, Wantaim PNG has partnered with SolarBuddy, an Australian charity that designs and distributes solar lights, to help the Division of Education deliver on that policy across Manus Province. Each student receives a Junior Buddy — a solar-powered handheld light, simple and rugged enough for daily use studying at home.
We work alongside the executive team of Pihi Manus Association, the Province’s peak women’s body, to reach schools that most organisations never get to.
We’re grateful for the generous financial and hands-on support that made this possible, including Clough, Swires, GFS (PNG), the Rotary RARE team, Alexandra Hills, and a wonderfully supportive team of volunteers, including Emmanuel Meraveka and Laurine Ryan. Together — or Wantaim! — we are so much stronger.
IN THEIR WORDS
“I will achieve my goals…” “…lighting the pathway for future leaders…” “…the beginning of big things.” “…a solution to our problems.”
ON PATROL: THE LONGEST LAST MILE
Ever wondered what a day at work looks like for us? Climb aboard as the team heads out on patrol.
Delivering solar lights to 90 students at one school on Manus’ south coast: 2 days, 118kms, and a banana boat. No roads. No excuses. Just bright futures.
THE IMPACT
As at June 2026, more than 8,000 solar lights have been delivered to 65 of Manus Province’s 95+ schools. At this pace, we’re on track to reach every school by mid-2027.
THE GOAL
A solar light for every primary and secondary student in Manus. Every single one.
Reaching remote schools means serious sea travel, and after seven years, our boat has reached the end of the road. We need to replace the boat itself, replace its engine, and add a second engine as a safety backup — so a breakdown at sea never leaves the team stranded. Each costs $10,000: $30,000 in total. Without them, deliveries like the one you just watched don’t happen.