Kolora Naiqaci goes above and beyond the call of duty to teach her students even with COVID-19 restrictions in place.

Ms Naiqaci, a teacher at Saint Vincent College in Natovi, found herself stuck at her husband’s village in Nalidi, Korotubu in Ra because of the border lockdown.

She had to walk three kilometres up a mountain and trekked through cassava plantations to try and get an internet connection to set up a zoom session with her students.

“There is no electricity and no network for internet in the village,” Ms Naiqaci said.

“At first, I was reluctant because my laptop crashed, and my phone was damaged. I had to borrow my husband’s phone to access the internet and download the zoom app.

“I also had to look around for places to charge the phone at night when the generators are switched on.

“First and foremost I overcame these challenges with the help of my Almighty Father who gives me the strength to keep on going and not give up because this is also part of my calling as a teacher.

Kolora Naiqaci during a zoom session with her students.

“I want to thank everyone who helped me ensure that my students are taught through zoom.

She was thankful to Mrs Selai – a teacher at a school in Nalidi Village, who bought diesel for the village generator that enabled her to charge her gadgets.

Ms Naiqaci said she gathers her strength from her students and she encourages them to perform to their best abilities.

“My students try their best to attend classes but some have problems getting money for data and some have network problems, so I voice call to check up on them,” she said.

With the borders open, Ms Naiqaci hopes people will get vaccinated so everything can return to normal.

Edited by Rayape Karavaki

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