Lepani Soroverata sees how hard his father and namesake works to put bread and butter on the table for the family.

Mr Soroverata Snr had spent most of his working life employed at Mana Island Resort but has continued to work for his family since retiring.

Mr Soroverata Jnr, 18, Lautoka Muslim College’s dux for the school’s Diamond Jubilee year is eager to complete his education and begin working to give his dad a rest.

“I see how my father struggled for me and my two sisters and mum (Makereta) and I just want to repay him by working and letting him enjoy his retirement,” the Malolo native said.

Scoring top marks in Mathematics, Physics and ITT, Mr Soroverata Jnr said he wanted to become a civil engineer.

“That is my aim and what I will work towards.

“Since dad retired, he never stopped working and is driving to continue to look after us.

“I am so proud of him and want to repay him and mum once I work.”

Mrs Soroverata was emotional at the awards night at the college on November 17.

She could not hold her tears back as she made her way to the stage where Minister for Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment Parveen Bala presented her son with his prizes.

Mr Bala had earlier stressed to the students to move away from social media sites like Facebook and concentrate more on their school work.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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