Priyeshna Chand, dux of Nadogo Central College in Macuata Province, has thanked Government for provid­ing educational assistance to Fijians.

The 19-year-old of Natabe Vil­lage, just outside Labasa Town, recalled how her father, Rakesh Chand, 46, a sugarcane labourer, would struggle to pay for her bus fare, school fees and textbooks.

“When Labasa Mill opens for crushing season my father has a job, and then he is jobless for more than half a year,” Priyesh­na said.

“My mother, Premila Wati, 45, a year ago began goat farming on a small scale. We live in a small house using public wa­ter supply and solar power. Through whatever small in­come came my parents managed the house needs well and then supported my elder sister, who is now a teacher at Ratu Luke Me­morial School.

“As the younger of two siblings, seeing my parents struggling to help me get an education moti­vated me to study hard,” the as­piring doctor said.

From Year One through to Year 13 young Priyeshna had always topped her class.

“So I dedicate my achievement to mum and dad who have been my pillar of strength,” she said.

“I want to become a doctor so that I can look after my parents financially and medically in fu­ture because they are not getting any younger.

“Thank you to this Government for providing educational assis­tance. It has lightened the bur­den on my parents.”

She scored 434 out of 500.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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