After 16 years, Jeremaia Sowata decided to go back to school.

The 33-year-old is a student at the Ratu Epeli Ravoka Techical College in Bua since January this year.

For most like the Nasavu villager from Nadi district in Bua have hailed the institution as a ray of hope for people who have given up on the education system in Fiji.

“I appreciate this initiative as it gives us another chance to pursue our dreams, when we thought we could not do it anymore,” Mr Sowata said.

“I had always wanted to be a teacher and I believe this opportunity has guaranteed a chance to achieve this life-long dream of mine.”

The youngest of five said the last time he had entered a classroom to learn was at the Fiji Institute of Technology, now Fiji National University, in Samabula for a semester in 2002.

“After high school, I only spent a semester at the then FIT, and my heart was not in it, so I returned to my village to farm,” Mr Sowata said.

“I have been farming all these years and it was not until I attended one of their recruitment drives that I had the urge to go back to school.

“So I filled a form and applied for a place in this school, and I am thankful to TCF for accepting me.

“After this I plan to pursue a Diploma in Building Engineering, before I return and teach for this institution,” Mr Sowata said.

About 120 students are currently enrolled in the school at the moment.

Edited by Maraia Vula

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