Atelini Daubulu is one of the 16 Queen contestants at this year’s Vodafone Hibiscus festival.

Her advocacy message is on single parents, the majority of whom are single mothers.

“Day to day those valiant women face the struggles of life, doing the work that was always meant for two but doing it alone most times,” she said.

She said they have to be the mother and the father and they watch over their family, sometimes struggle to make ends meet, they nurture their children; they cry and pray with them and for them.

“They want the best for them but fret every night that their best may never be good enough.”

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

Feedback:  mere.satakala@fijisun.com.fj

WHO IS ATELINI DAUBULU?

Atelini Veronika Daubulu, 19, is originally from Nabalesere Village, Ra, with maternal links to Dravuwalu Village,  Kadavu.

She grew up in Wailekutu, Lami, with her mother and two sisters. She attended Marist Convent School, Lami, and St. Joseph’s Secondary School.

She works at the Fiji Museum in the Collections Department; her work involves collections, registrations, and preservation of artifacts.

What was your first reaction when you were told that you were one of the Queens at this year’s festival?

Atelini: It was a blissful and exciting moment for me because I believe that it’s all happening according to God’s will.

What was the motivation behind entering for this year’s Hibiscus?

Atelini: My motivation behind all this, is my family at home, church and my fellow workmates. They’re always encouraging and motivating me to move on with life even if it hits me hard on the face.

What are you most looking forward to for this year’s festival?

Atelini: I’m really looking forward to being out with friends and family. To mark this historic moment as it is extremely special.

Has it ever crossed your mind growing up and watching the festival that one day you’ll be a part of?

Atelini: Yes, I always admire the 1988 iconic Miss Hibiscus Queen, Lenora Qereqeretabua. She is one person I look up to for confidence. I’m always reminding myself that “If she can do it why can’t I?

Apart from your current position, what do you like doing in your past time?

Atelini: I like spending quality time with my family and friends

Who are your greatest inspirations by far?

Atelini: My greatest inspiration would be my mother because she is always there for me and my two sisters despite the challenges we went through. There is dignity about my mother and she is also a tremendous source of determination.

Some of the challenges in your line of work?

Atelini: challenges of knowing about oral traditions and how stories change from one generation to another.

What would you like to take away from this year’s Hibiscus?

Atelini: To create long lasting memories, to widen my horizon and establish new opportunities for myself and also have motivated single mothers to stand up as a beacon of hope for other single parents.

FAVORITE:

Quote: Jeremiah 29:11

Book: Alex Cross by James Patterson

Song right Now: In Christ Alone by Brian Littrell

All time Movie: Miracle in the Woods

Guilty Pleasure: Drinking Coke