‘I’m very happy to be receiving this certificate, because I am old and I don’t know when I will no longer be here.’

Eighty-five-year-old Linieta Vakanadakuya and seventy-nine-old Malakai Vukiqaqa have proved that age is no barrier to learning.

Ms Vakanadakuya was the oldest student among more than 500 who graduated yesterday at Muanaicake Village, Vutia, Rewa,with certificates in various basic disciplines.

Mr Vukiqaqa was one of the two oldest male graduates. They completed two weeks of training as part of the Fiji National University’s Sustainable Livelihood Project in the district of Vutia in Rewa.

Ms Vakanadakuya, who graduated with a Certificate in Rural Stove Construction and Breadmaking, said she was thankful to have come across the opportunity of attending the training.

“I had always wanted to learn how to bake bread and now I know it.

“I’m very happy to be receiving this certificate because I am old and I don’t know when I will no longer be here,” she said.

Ms Vakanadakuya, who owned a small business for over 35 years, said she would now bake bread  for household consumption and at times for sale.

“It’s good that we have an oven at my relative’s place so I can now bake there,” she said.

Ms Vakanadakuya also urged youths to make use of learning opportunities.

For Mr Vukiqaqa, travelling all the way from his home in Calia Settlement, Navua, to attend the training was worthwhile.

He graduated with a Certificate in Joinery and Coffin Box Construction.

Mr Vukiqaqa said he had worked as a carpenter and a construction worker in Suva for more than 42 years.

“Knowing that carpentry work will be a challenge at this age, I thought of learning how to make coffin boxes which would be suitable for me.

“This certificate will allow me to fulfil my plans as I wish to seek further assistance to set up a small business of making coffin boxes and hire a helper,” he said.

Mr Vukiqaqa said two weeks was not enough as he was keen to learn more about the trade of coffin box making.

“We only had a few days of theory, but the rest of the two weeks was hands on practical,” he said.

Mr Vukiqaqa, whose six children were now all married and settled, hopes to financially support his two grandchildren from his newly found trade.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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