Labasa fisherman, Ratu Savenaca Koliniwai, was in tears when he saw his 21-year-old son, Akariva Koliniwai, graduating from the Fiji National University yesterday.

Akariva graduated in Labasa with a Trade Diploma in Accounting.

Mr Koliniwai, 66, of Nakawaga Village in Mali Island, Macuata, recalled his struggling days to help educate Akariva.

“This is my second child, out of the seven in the family to graduate from university and this is one of my happiest moments,’” Mr Koliniwai said.

“Life on the island is not easy. I can only do fishing business to financially support my family.”

He acknowledged the support of his other son who works at the Fiji Sugar Corporation for accommodating Akariva in Labasa during his course of study.

“I have always witnessed parents on the island boasting about their children being a graduate and it has always been my dream to see at least two of my children graduating,” he said.

His wife, Mereseini Dilevulevu, 55, said her children were blessed to pursue higher learning.

“During our time, it was very difficult for us to finish off secondary school,” Ms Dilevulevu said.

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra