It has been eight years since 66-year-old, Luisa Nadakuca, has been confined to her bed because of a knee problem she suffered in 2012.

Before this, she was a high school teacher for 33-years and a volunteer at the Fiji Girl Guides Association climbing up the ranks to be a Programme Adviser and National Trainer.

In 1995, she was acknowledged for exceptional service when she was awarded a 25th Anniversary of Independence Commemorative Medal.

When a representative from the Office of the President called her on Monday to inform her that she was a 50th Anniversary medal recipient, she said, she broke down in tears over the phone thinking back of her contributions to the nation.

“I was really shocked, I was sobbing, I could not believe that it was real,” Mrs Nadakuca said.

“When my daughter came home that day she said, Nau you have been in bed for eight years now, what do you think that medal is for? I said the Government knows and my God knows what I have done for this nation.”

Mrs Nadakuca devoted her time to extracurricular activities like the Girl Guides because of her passion for voluntary work and to help young girls become better leaders of today.

She also served as assistant president for the Methodist Church, Bau Division, for two years.

She has four children and hails from Dravo Village, in Bau, Tailevu and her husband is from Viria in Naitasiri.

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua

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