The year 2020 began with the restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic followed by two tropical cyclones that left many in the maritime group of islands devastated.

That’s how four children from Lau shared their reflection of the year while being optimistic about 2021.

Sitting on the beachfront of Tarukua Village in Cicia, the four told of how it had been a roller coaster ride for them.

Outspoken, Amania Koroitamana of Cicia High School recalled the impact of the pandemic and how staying home was a mixture of fun and challenge.

“The hardest part was when ships carrying monthly supplies from the mainland had a no travel order to come to us because of COVID-19,” the 14-year-old said.

“For almost three months, we had to depend on the land and sea for our food.

“It is not easy because we had to be smart on our daily catch so it could last us for a long time.”

With paternal links to Rewasau, Naitasiri, and maternal links to Nasaqalau Village in Lakeba, the teenager is thankful for her parents’ daily advice that has kept her on her toes.

“To have perseverance and reverence for God has always been my daily encouragement that no matter what we go through as a family, to always learn to be content with whatever we have,” he said.

“God to be priority and seeking guidance from Him and because of that, I am at peace with whatever comes my way,” she said.

Siblings, Jiana Mago,10, and Cama Hanisi, 7, shared the sentiments that staying home during the pandemic was fun because they got more time to go out fishing with their parents or spend time on the farm with them.

“We liked staying home but also we missed going to school yet we knew it was for our own safety,” Miss Mago said.

Nine-year-old, Rotadali Bulimaibau said: “I always feel for my older cousins who had to sit for their external exam before and after the cyclone,”

“One of my cousins comes by boat to school and was told to return home because the cyclone was coming and because the boat had gone.

“He had to walk about 45 minutes back home,” she said.

With smiles on their faces, the four were looking forward to the new school year and hoping the pandemic ends soon.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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