Dionisia Sigalaba soared with excitement as she saw her daughter walked up to get her certificate during the Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons Centre graduation yesterday.

The 40-year-old cane farmer of Waiqele in Labasa said, it was one of the most thrilling moments in her life.

“Our children are the greatest blessings from God and my daughter’s achievement might not appear as a lot to most but it means the world to me,” Ms Sigalaba said as she wipes a tear.

Her only daughter, 16-year-old Asilika Dibose Qenuku, who was in Year 9 last year at a Labasa school, had been failing her exams and the last straw was the annual last year.

Amongst four other students, Asilika received a Certificate for Beginners Level after training at the Fiji National University.

“I did not give up, I knew somehow I have to ensure that she continues with her education and that was when I heard of this centre,” Ms Sigalaba said.

“I visited during Christmas break last year and they told me to bring her in January and I did.”

With just a few weeks in school, Asilika was able to make a doormat at home.

“I was amazed, and then she slowly started applying what she learnt from school at home like baking. Now, she takes her own initiative to make handicrafts,” Ms Sigalaba said.

“Persons living with disabilities are often seen as a failure in community but give them a chance to develop their skills.

“I am glad that I never gave up and I will never give up on her till she reaches her full potential.”

Ms Sigalaba who is separated from her husband, is a mother of three and the sole breadwinner in the family.

Editedby Maraia Vula

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