Automotive engineering student Mika Leqeua made a promise to stay in school and graduate, and he did.

The 20-year-old yesterday graduated from the Montfort Technical Institute in Savusavu.

But the real driving factor behind his efforts was the fact that he was deeply hurt by the devastation that Tropical Cyclone Winston caused on Taveuni Island.

The stories shook Mr Leqeua and he remembered crying when his parents contacted him to relay the bad news.

“Our yaqona farm, which was our main source of income, was completely destroyed. When I heard of the news I made a promise to myself that I would finish school and return home to help my parents with the rebuilding of our home and our yaqona farm,” he said.

“When I returned during Easter break, I saw the devastation the cyclone had caused. Families were living in tents, and the set-up of the environment was not as I had remembered. It was bad.”

Mr Leqeua had wanted to stay and help out, but his father urged him to return to school.

“With whatever funds he received, he made sure I returned on time to school and with all that I needed,” he said.

“Now that I have graduated, I will be returning home with my parents. I have been talking with my father. They have started work on the other parts of the house and is yet to be completed.

“We will also be restarting our yaqona farm during this Christmas, so yes, there is a lot to be done.”

His father, Pelasio Leqeua, said: “I could not be any more proud of his achievement and I look forward to working with him during this break to pick up the pieces of our lives shattered by Winston.”

1st year Trainees

Best student in Automobile Engineering: Samisoni Matasere

Best Student in Cabinet Making: Seru Masau

2nd Year (Graduates)

Best Student in Automobile Engineering: Kalivatu Vasuinadi

Best Student in Building and Carpentry: Elden Qalikawa

Best Student in Cabinet Making: Semisi Whippy

Best House: Joseph House

Dux: Kalivati Vasuinadi

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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