The scarce resources and studying under a makeshift tent did not stop Raravuya Digutu, 13, of Vunivasa District School in Nabuna, Koro Island, from walking away with the Dux award yesterday.

“When I went to get my award I couldn’t hold back my tears because I remembered all those hard times and struggles we faced in school, and it has paid off,” she said.

“The hurricane really pushed me to work even harder, I did not want to lose any hope and I thank God and my parents for supporting me.”

Her father, Seremaia Motonicocoka, said: “I am thankful and happy because I remember all those times I struggled to get money to support my daughter. I thank God for his mercy.

“She has been really sacrificing a lot and working hard to get the award because she was aiming for it since last year.”

The yaqona and dalo farmer in Koro said he would do his best to get his daughter to Adi Cakobau School (ACS) next year.

“My daughter wants to be a lawyer and I will try and take her to ACS next year so she can work towards her brighter future. I will give in everything I have to make sure she succeeds,” he said.

School teacher, Temo Yaravoli Nacolaivalu, said: “We really struggled this year after the TC Winston in February. Students were affected mentally and physically, and at times it was really hard to get them to focus in class.

“We faced so many difficulties in school as we still have classes in tents and there were problems of text books and stationaries. Even in homes, parents were struggling to get money to support their children in school.

“Their learning environment and the resources was really affected the students but they managed to get through.”

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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