Grandmother Sells At Market To Help Her Grandchildren
Viniana Niunisava would not just stand by and not contribute to her grandchildren’s development.
As from January last year she has been selling fruits, root crops and vegetables at Labasa market to support them.
The 49-year-old originally from Nasawana Village in Bua, Vanua Levu said it did not cross her mind that she would leave her village and be a market vendor.
“I sell in the market from Mondays to Saturdays arriving at 7:30am and leaving the stall at 5pm,” Mrs Niunisava said.
“My husband is in the village planting root crops like dalo and cassava and fruits like pawpaw, banana and common green vegetables like bele and dalo leaves,” the mother of six children and four grandchildren said.
“He comes to Labasa when there is a need for supply and then returns to the village.
“I am renting with my children and grandchildren in Siberia, Labasa.
“Life of a vendor is totally different from white collar and blue collar job.
“I studied till Year Ten at Dreketi High School in Macuata and often thought that a vendor was one of the lowest paid jobs.
“However, this is actually not true if you put all your heart and mind into it.
“I am a vendor because I want my grandchildren to have better education.
“Sometimes when the weather and occasion is favourable I am able to sell the produce and return home early with good profits in hand.
“There are days like this week as now when it has been continually raining for three weeks.
“This affects the selling of produce; sales are slow and I return home late with little cash.
“Being a vendor requires a lot of patience.
“Despite such challenges I am happy because by the end of the month I am able to pay for rent, power bill,
