Premila Wati could not hold back tears when she saw her two children, both suffering from speech impairment, gradu­ate yesterday.

Daniel Lingam, 20, graduated with a Certificate in Basic Join­ery/Woodcraft and Handicraft while his sister, Maraam Lingam, 22, attained a Certificate in Jew­ellery/Walesi Printing/Creative Craft/Preservatives/Snacks/Sa­vouries and Basic Cooking during the graduation ceremony at the National Council For Persons With Disabilities (NCPD) Centre in La­basa.

Mrs Wati, 43, of Bouma Settle­ment in Labasa said her children were born with disabilities, but she always supported them when it came to education.

“For nine years they have been at­tending Labasa School for Special Education. They both have intel­lectual problems, which leads to speech impairment,” the mother of three said.

“Life’s been hard for me as a mother, but over the years I thank God for his strength and providing my children the opportunity to get an education.”

Her youngest son is in Year Eight at Holy Family Primary School in Labasa.

Chief guest and Fiji National Council For Persons With Disabili­ties executive director, Doctor Siti­veni Yanuyanutawa, urged the 38 graduates from Bua and Macuata to live their dream.

“Never see disabilities as an end road to live your dream,” Dr Yanuyanutawa said.

“Stand up for yourselves; don’t depend on handouts. Find out what talent you have and build on it.”

Fifteen people with disabilities graduated with a Certificate in Basic Joinery/Woodcraft and Handicraft; 23 with a Certificate in Jewelry/Walesi Printing/Crea­tive Craft/Preservatives/Snacks/Savouries and Basic Cooking.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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