Even after their farm was totally destroyed by TC Winston, it did not stop Rafaele Aminisitai Naikasau from getting the overall best student Electrician award in during the graduation at Montfort Boys Town, Veisari yesterday.

The 19-year Nadroga, Navosa graduate could no longer hide his emotions while walking up the isle to receive his award.

“When they called out my name, first thing I thought about was the struggles my dad went through for me to study,” he said.

Before joining Montfort Boys, Mr Naikasau was a student of Sigatoka Valley High School where he completed his Form 5 level education

“The course I did (Electrician) requires basic Physics and Math . I wasn’t really good in math and I was an arts student in high school, so I really struggled in class,” he said.

“My dad is a famer and he worked really hard to pay my school fees, I really owe my dad a lot.”

He said he promised his dad that he would do whatever it takes to repay the good deeds.

“Whenever it rains, I always think of our farm and my parent especially my dad, because this is the time when the crop doesn’t grow well,” he said.

“When I joined this institute, my dad was not financially stable so he really struggled to pay my school dues.”

Mr Naikasau says that TC Winston destroyed everything they had in their farm.

“TC Winston washed all the crops in our farm, nothing left, my dad had to start running around looking for seeds and other things to start our farm again. It has been really hard,” he said.

“Today I know that the door to my work life is open and I am now looking forward to it.”

His dad, Epeli Naikasau who was also there to witness the success of his son said: “Every single day I dedicate my life working on my vegetable farm for my son’s school fees and other needs,” he said

“When I saw my son getting his award, I couldn’t stop crying because I know in my heart that all my struggles and sweat has paid off and I thank the Lord.”

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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