Ro Litiana Donumaitoga is an exemplary model of perseverance.

Why? She failed her first try of the Fiji Corrections Service Basic Recruitment Training, but when she had a go at it the second time, she excelled.

Yesterday the 19-year-old received not one but two top awards at the end of the Basic Recruitment Training.

The youngest of the 36 new recruits, from Veivatuloa Village, Namosi, was awarded the prestigious Commissioner’s Trophy and the Baton of Honor award at the Naboro Training Academy.

Ro Litiana spent about two months working as a part-time bus checker for Shore Buses Limited before going into the 14-week training at Naboro.

“It had always been my dream to join law enforcement either as a police officer or a prison warden,” the former Adi Cakobau School student said.

“My first try, I was dropped during training but that did not discourage me from trying again for the second time.

“When I got my second chance, I promised myself to work hard and do the best in I can in everything I did.”

The Commissioner’s Trophy is given to the recruit who scores the highest aggregate mark in all theoretical assessments.

The Baton of Honor award is given to the recruit who has been consistent in all areas inclusive of theoretical and practical assessments.

“I encourage women out there not to see gender as a barrier to achieving what they want in life.”

“Nothing is impossible with God, if only you have a willing heart to achieve your goals,” she said.

Other top awards

Meanwhile, the Best Recruit in Drill award was given to Mosese Rokotubau Leva of Davetalevu in Verata, Tailevu.

The Best Recruit in Physical Training award was given to Jone Vatukatakata of Votua village, Lekutu, Bua.

The Fiji Corrections Service new female recruits (from left): Dikaveni Tokailagi, Lavenia Seruqaranivalu, Ro Litiana Donumaitoga, Agnes Seru, Alumita Damudamu and Kelera Toroca at the Naboro Training Academy on
December 22, 2020. Photo: Kelera Sovasiga

Minister for Fisheries, Semi Koroilavesau encouraged the new recruits on the need and importance of discipline, patience, commitment and courage.

“When you have this, you will support the team that you are assigned to and through time, your team will become your family,” he said.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback: kelera.sovasiga@fijisun.com.fj