A mother of two, 35-year-old Nileshni Mala, yesterday graduated with a catering certificate after leaving secondary schooling 16 years ago.

Baulevu resident Ms Mala said it was the first time she had walked across the stage in a graduating class and was content walking away with the Best overall certificate for Tourism and Hospitality operations award.

Ms Mala and 187 other students were part of the graduation ceremony of the Service Pro International Tourism and Hospitality Institute which was held at the Suva Civic Auditorium

“I have been a housewife for over 16 years as I was married after I completed my high school,” Ms Mala said.

“I am speechless on how I feel about the graduation because this is my first time I have pushed myself to complete a course.”

She said the confidence that was lacking before was now gone and during the six months course, she has gained knowledge and self-confidence in her area of study and moreso in herself.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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