I have learned a lot being raised by a single mother, to appreciate and value the struggles of an independent woman, says Manasa Navara.

He scooped the year-13 award in history and the highest mark in History during the Fiji School Leaving Certificate exam in the entire country last year.

The 18-year-old of Tavua shed tears when he walked up to the podium to receive his award as memories of his mother’s struggle to give him a good life flashed across his mind.

“I am indebted to my mother’s struggle and how she used to put my education before anything else in her life- she is a strong independent woman and I am proud to be her son,” he said.

“Every achievement I fulfill in life is for my mother and all my relatives that stood me throughout my darkest days, there were days I would sit and look at how far I have come and would tell myself that I still have a long way to go and that I should never give up.”

Navara said the only way he would make his mother proud was through his academic achievement and a good job in the future.

“I will work hard towards getting a very good job so that my mother’s sweat and struggle is not put to waste because that is what she deserves for all her hard work as a single mother.”

His mother, Salote Raica fought hard to hold back his tears while explaining the hardships of being a single mother, who earns a living from fishing and social welfare income.

“My son’s education was a priority for me because I don’t want my son to suffer in the future, I want him to study and get a good job so that he can be able to fend for himself when I’m not around,” she said.

“My son has made me proud today (yesterday) and I broke down to tears when I saw him walking up to the podium to receive his award, I am proud of my son and all the struggles that we endured together.

“I thank God for the life of m only son and also my relatives for their endless support towards my son’s education.”

Ms Raica also advised single mothers to uphold their children’s education and their welfare as a priority.

Feedback:  arieta.vakasukawaqa@fijisun.com.fj