Angeline Naicker is a step closer to following in her late father’s footsteps and pursue a career as a chef.

Having graduated from the Fiji National University yesterday with a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, the 38-year-old dedicated her success to her dad.

The graduation ceremony took place at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva. She was one of the 110 students graduated from the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC), while 118 graduated from the College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF).

Ms Naicker said her father inspired her to do take her course at FNU.

“My father was a chef in the Nadi International Tanoa Hotel and I am sure that he would have been proud of me today, if he was alive,” she said.

Ms Naicker, from Papatoetoe, New Zealand, said she never expected to do a cookery course here, but her husband supported her in order to make her dreams come true.

“My husband could not make it to the graduation, but his motivation gave me the strength to study and carry on with my father’s dream,” she said.

She was also happy that her 14-year-old son Kartik Naicker, who studies in Papatoetoe International School in New Zealand, was able to attend her graduation ceremony.

“My son told me that I was his angel and he was proud to call me his mother,” she said.

Ms Naicker worked in a sushi company in New Zealand after completing her cookery course in 2019.

“I never wanted to sit at home and do the house chores. I have a dream to cook for people in big quantity and make my father’s name proud,” she said.

Ms Naicker now aims to become a head chef at a hotel.

She also received the Technical and Further Education (TAFE) excellence award for her course.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

Feedback:  shreeya.verma@fijisun.com.fj