Age is not a barrier to education, says 54-year-old Bimla Devi Sharma.

Mrs Sharma is among those who completed their Bachelor of Library and Information Systems at the Fiji National University (FNU) last year.

On Tuesday, she was a happy lady after she received her certificate of completion.

The mother-of-two children and grandmother said she was married straight after completing her Year 12 New Zealand University Entrance Examination at Bua Central College in 1986.

After 17 years, in 2003, she decided that it was time to upgrade her education level.

She began by studying for a Certificate in Basic Skills in Library Information Studies from The University of the South Pacific (USP) and went to study for a Diploma in Library Information Studies.

In 2017, she commenced with the bachelor’s programme at the FNU which she recently completed.

Originally from Bua, Ms Sharma married Satish Sharma from Bulileka, Labasa. She was able to pursue her dreams with the support of Mr Sharma, now a retired civil servant.

“My mother-in-law knew that I always wanted to wear the graduation gown and cap and she blessed me before passing away that I could live to see my dream come true.

“I thank all my family members for their support and motivation.”

She said there were days where she would find herself the oldest student in the class, but it did not deter her from succeeding.

“Age is not a barrier in education,” she said.

“I would like to encourage women to pursue and live their dreams.”

Currently working as a Library Information Assistant at FNU Labasa campus, Mrs Sharma said thinking and setting life goals early were important even though circumstances may change and lead one to a different path.

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua 

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