Imagine being a secondary school student, having to climb steep hills in order get an internet signal to do your zoom classes.

That is the challenge that Sisilia Dia, a Year 13 student of Vatukaloko Secondary School, has had to endure. The location of her village, at Nananu in Ra, is the reason she has to climb hills to get a signal.

She moved her teachers to tears when they found out about her difficulties during their second visit to the area last Thursday.

The principal of the school, Vilimaina Rokosoa Tuvusa, who was part of the visiting team, said when they receive worksheets and analyse class attendance every week, her team mobilises to visit those who were not responding well to the worksheets and zoom classes.

Ms Tuvusa said they had to cross two rivers to reach Sisilia’s home of before they all accompanied her to a hill where she connects online for her zoom classes.

“Her parent built a small shed there for her under the rocks to shelter her from the scorching heat during classes. I climbed the hill to see her small shed,” Ms Tuvusa said.

“It consists of two pellets and sheets of tarpaulin to shelter her from the sun during classes.

“Despite the struggle uphill, seeing her small haven got me so emotional. I could only uttered, ‘Thank you, my girl for the sacrifices.’ These sacrifices lead you to great achievement.”

The 18-year-old student who aims to become a school teacher, said despite her struggles, she chose to endure them for the bright future ahead of her.

“My future is in those sacrifices under that rock, climbing up hills and mountains. I believe every great achievement comes with great sacrifices. I don’t have any laptop, but through my phone up in those hills I was able to learn something in a day,” Sisilia said.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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