A 23-year-old solo mother of Naitasiri is forging ahead to have a successful life to provide a bright future for her six-year-old daughter.

Eseta Rogo was among the 47 women who graduated from the Makoi Women’s Vocational Training Centre in Nasinu on Wednesday.

Twenty-four of them graduated with a Certificate in Sewing while 23 graduated with a Certificate in Cooking and Pastry.

Ms Rogo who attained a Certificate in Cooking and Pastry said she had never regretted the decision to join the institute and, in the process, discovered her passion for cooking.

“My friends told me about this course offered at this centre,” she said.

“I came here to take up caregiving course, but it was put on hold because the trainer of the course had passed on, so I had to take up this course.

“I used to hate cooking, but I am glad I came here and learnt a lot.”

Ms Rogo is financially dependent on her aunt who owns a poultry farm in Naitasiri which is their only source of income.

“Our chicken shed was closed due to COVID-19 for a few months,” she said.

“The cost of living is very high nowadays and I had to do this for my daughter’s future.”

She thanked the centre for their support and said she was hoping to operate a baking business in the future.

“I want to thank this vocational centre for providing this course free for us single mothers. I would not have been able to afford it if it wasn’t free of charge,” she said.

“I am planning to open my own baking business in Naitasiri to support my child.

“I think the idea of baking cakes and selling it is uncommon in Naitasiri and I am hopeful that my business will thrive because there is not much competition.”