Newly inducted headboy of the Fiji Vocational Technical and Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities Joeli Kovesere said his disabilities would not stop him from being a good leader.

The 32-year-old from Muaicake, Fulaga in Lau said suffering from celebral palsy motivated him more to lead and create new things. Cerebral palsy is considered a neurological disorder which primarily affects body movement and muscle co-ordination.

“Carpentry and joinery is like my passion now and I love working with other students, building something new each time,” Mr Kovesere said.

Mr Kovesere was inducted yesterday with 10 other prefects at the Fiji Vocational Technical and Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities induction ceremony at Brown Street in Suva.

Mr Kovesere said he became the head boy with the blessings of God and his parents.

“My dad passed away last year and my mother is currently admitted at the Saint Giles Hospital but I know their blessings are always with me,” he said.

“After my dad passed away, I have been taking care of my mother who is always in-and-out of the hospital.”

Head girl of the school, 21-year-old Milika Turaga of Dalice, Nairai, Lomaiviti, in spite of her learning disability, loves her baking classes.

“I am a food and nutrition student in which we learn about baking and pastries,” she said.

“I face difficulties in learning things fast but with the help of my teachers and other students, I am able to learn and bake.

Chief guest of the event, Ministry of Education director for Tests Alumeci Tuisawau told the students that leadership was action, not position.

“Effective leaders are positive role models who leave behind them a legacy,” she said.

“Being a leader or a prefect is about holding doors open for others.

“With a culture and attitude of service, eventually doors will be opened for you,” Ms Tuisawau said.

Currently, the training centre has 27 female and 42 male students.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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