Life is full of challenges for Swastika Singh, but none of them could stop her from fulfilling her dreams yesterday.

The 25-year-old was among 31 women who graduated at the Makoi Women’s Vocational Training Centre. Ms Singh graduated from a cookery course.

Since the age of eight, she has been raised at the Dilkusha Children’s Home in Nausori.

“I always wanted to study and become a successful person in my life.

“Due to financial problems, I was not able to fulfill my dreams,” she said.

Ms Singh said she grew up in a very poor family. She was the youngest of four children.

“My parents had to send me to the Dilkusha Children’s Home because they were not able to support me. I spent 12 years in the Dilkusha Children’s Home.”

Ms Singh said because of financial problems, she only studied till Year 11.

“I got married when I was only 20-years-old. I met my husband at the Dilkusha Church.

“I now have three children and my husband is the only breadwinner in the family,” she said.

Ms Singh said she had been staying with extended family members. She said she and her husband faced a lot of hardships to fulfill their needs.

She said she took a job as a security guard to support her family.

When she was appointed as a security officer at the Makoi Women’s Vocational Training Centre, she learned about the courses offered there.

“It was a second chance for me to complete my education, get a certificate and start up my own business. I then went home and discussed with my family and they supported me with my decision,” she said.

Ms Singh said doing a cookery course at the centre was the first step to supporting her family.

“I am so happy that I have graduated today and I will now be able to support my family.

“I am now planning to set up my small business and sell food,” she said.

Ms Singh said she was thankful to her family for their support

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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