Queen Victoria School : Solo Mum’s ‘Labour Of Love’ Pays Off, Son Is QVS Dux
Unaisi Saumaki dives for fresh water mussels to pay For his education
Solo mum Unaisi Saumaki braves the cold waters of the upper reaches of the Rewa River to dive for kai (fresh mussels) daily.
Ms Saumaki, of Natoaika, Naitasiri invested proceeds from the sale of the mussels in her son’s education.
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- Queen Victoria School Dux Solomone Vakamudulali is congratulated by his mother Unaisi Saumaki following their annual prize giving ceremony on November 22, 2017. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Yesterday her “labour of love” paid dividends when her son, Solomone Vakamudulali, was awarded the dux prize at the Queen Victoria School (QVS) prizegiving at Matavatucou, Tailevu.
She burst into tears when her son’s name was announced as the dux.
“ I remembered those cold days in the river. I dived with hope that one day my sacrifice will pay off. It was a labour of love. I love my son and pray that one day he will succeed in life.’’
“I’m really proud of my son’s achievement and I thank the good Lord for this,” she said.
Vakamudulali of Bau House said his mother played a major role in him winning the dux prize.
He said after his father left the family, his mother took over his responsibility.
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- Queen Victoria School Dux Solomone Vakamudulali is congratulated by his mother Unaisi Saumaki following their annual prizegiving ceremony on November 22, 2017. Photo: Ronald Kumar.
Vakamudulali said he wanted to be a lawyer in future.
“I want to earn money, change my family’s life and make my mother happy,” he said.
“She had done a lot to me and I must thank the Lord for having a very loving and hardworking mother.”
He has dedicated his dux trophy to her.
Vakamudulali has also won a return trip to New Zealand in February next year..
Edited by Nemani Delaibatiki
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