Thanks Government for providing opportunities, urges younger people to take advantage

It was an unforgettable moment for Seruwaia Naitini, 54, who has graduated for the first time in her life.

A resident of Wailevu Village, Labasa, Ms Naitini never dreamt she would receive her first tertiary qualification at her age.

“When I dropped out of high school, I thought that was it for me. I did not know that some three decades later, I would go back to school and graduate,” Ms Naitini said yesterday after the graduation.

She was among the 220 people who attended the Technical College of Fiji Short Course Certificate Presentation in Labasa.

“I always thought education was for the younger generation, but when a team from this school came to the village earlier this year, I did not hold back,” Ms Naitini said.

“I would take back what I have learnt, apply it at home and at the same time consider starting a food business.Yes, if given another chance, I would pursue my education further.”

She was among three women who were awarded cookery certificates. The other are Arieta Kabu and Pasemaca Manawave.

Ms Manawave, 52, said: “This goes on to show that education is not limited to young people only but also for older ones. I did not foresee this moment and I am really happy.

“I would like to thank the Government for giving us this golden opportunity.”

Ms Kabu, 46, is calling on younger people to make use of this education scheme provided by Government.

“Before we used to sacrifice a lot so we could go to school, some of us had to drop out of school because we had no more money or that our younger siblings could go to school,” she said.

“The education system has evolved to our advantage now so let us make use of this.”

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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