As the eldest of three siblings Lusiana Rarasea’s parents had great expectations of her, but she was not able to fulfil their expectations because she chose to hang out with the wrong crowd.

Ms Rarasea, 27, hails from Narikoso Village in Ono, Kadavu, and has maternal links to Qalikarua Village in Matuku, Lau.

She graduated with a Certificate in Hydroponics at the Fiji Muslim League Makoi Women’s Vocational Training Centre yesterday. She lived in the United States of America for 15 years before she was told by her parents to return to Fiji.

“Overcoming the many struggles I faced to get where I am today has not been easy,” Ms Rarasea said.

“I spend my childhood growing up abroad with my family. Being the oldest in the family, my parents worked hard and had great expectations for me, but because of bad influences down the road I was unable to complete my studies.

“When I returned to Fiji, I came to learn of the struggles that we all face on daily basis.

“After four years of being home with no certificates or qualifications to get a job I was fortunate enough to be given a piece of land in Naitasiri to start a farm.

“After a few months back sitting at home thinking of ways to earn an income, my mother mentioned hydroponics to me and said I should look into taking a course and to build a hydroponic farm.”

Ms Rarasea said she would forever be grateful to the Fiji Muslim League Makoi Women’s Vocational Training Centre for giving her a chance.

“I am thankful to the Fiji Muslim League for providing this learning facility and giving someone like me the opportunity to study this course and have a successful future,” she said.

“With this certificate I am one step closer to achieving my goals. When women come together to help one another and overcome the impossible it is a very powerful thing and this centre is a great example of empowering women.”

She is one of the seven women who graduated with a Certificate in Hydroponics course yesterday.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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