Age should not be a barrier to education, says 56-year-old Berenaceta Vatalolo.

She was one of 31 women who graduated at the Makoi Women’s Vocational Training Centre yesterday. She graduated in sewing.

Ms Vatalolo has been taking care of her four children alone since her husband died.

“I operated a BiliBili (bamboo craft) for the last 12 years to transport people’s things from Naitasiri to Nausori.

“With whatever I earned, I spent it on my four children,” she said.

Ms Vatalolo said she was now happy that her two children are doing wonders in their school work and her other two children are now employed.

“I had struggled a lot in my life to support my children. I spent all my money on my children so that they have a brighter future,” she said.

Ms Vatalolo said at the age of 56 she sewed her first pair of sulu jaba at the centre.

“I am so happy to graduate in a sewing course from the vocational school today.

“I am also the leader of the Narere Catholic Women’s League. This was main reason for me to come and take up a sewing course at this vocational centre,” she said.

Ms Vatalolo said there were 45 women in their group and they mostly did sewing.

“Whatever I have learned at the centre, I will teach other women in the group,” she said.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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