Inspiring stories continue to come out from the prefects’ induction in schools.

The latest  is about two widows whose sons have now ascended to leadership roles at  Queen Victoria School in Matavatucou, Tailevu.

Ilisapeci Vukialau, 39, lost her husband 11 years ago. Since then she has been raising her three children on her own with help from relatives and in-laws.

Kalolaine Masibalavu, 57, became a widow in 2007 when her husband died.

The two women are an inspiration to all of us. They are nurturing not only QVS leaders but also leaders for the future.

Without their family’s breadwinners, life can be very challenging.

Both have had to endure financial hardships before family and friends rallied around them. Mrs Vukialau has the assistance of the relatives and in-laws. Mrs Masibalavu is blessed that old boys at the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority have been helping out with her son’s education cost.

They are living testimonies of what Education Minister Mahendra Reddy is  saying about the importance of parental involvement in their children’s education.

It will now become a pillar of the education policy. Mr Reddy rightly believes that parents are essential partners in their children’s education.

In a one-parent family the responsibility can be daunting. Mrs Vukialau and Mrs Masibalavu have done amazingly well.

They deserve to be recognised and congratulated for their efforts. Their achievement is a celebration for women. It inspires people to rise from the depths of despair, pain and suffering, to a life of hope, a will to live and a commitment to succeed in life.

Those who have lost loved ones would better understand this situation, the initial trial, before life returns to normal.

It takes courage and humility to overcome challenges no matter how difficult they become.

The two widows have done that and have joined others who have faced the same predicaments.

They have taught us that we should not give in easily. The adversities we go  through are designed to make us stronger when we persevere. That’s exactly what has happened in this case. Mrs Vukialau and Mrs Masibalavu are much stronger now because they have overcome their trials.

They have set wonderful example to their sons. Mrs Vukialau’s son, Manoa Ibeco, said with the tough situations he had been through he was ready for the challenges as the headboy. Mrs Masibalavu’s son Apakuki has expressed his gratitude to his mum.

Mr Reddy has said that when children feel the love of their parents they are most likely to focus on their education. He is right, Mrs Vukialau and Mrs Masibalavu have proved it.