Acquiring new skills free of charge to counter the increase in the cost of living is a godsend for a mother of three children.

Anaseini Vuidravuwalu, 26, of Noco Village in Rewa hopes to start her own business to generate more income for her family.

She was the youngest of 19 women, who were awarded a certificate in fashion and design at the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) Fashion Incubation Centre in Nabua on Wednesday.

This was after completing the nine-week course in sewing at the Makoi Women’s Vocational Training Centre.

Ms Vuidravuwalu believe women should be financially independent, especially when the cost of living was skyrocketing.

“I wanted to help my husband in supporting the family, most women rely on their husbands, but times are hard now,” she said.

“Giving clothes to the tailor was very expensive, I can now sew my own clothes and make a business out of it.”

A few years ago, Ms Vuidravuwalu dropped out of university and decided to focus on her family. However, she believes that previous decisions made by a person should not hold them back from obtaining new skills.

“I was studying at the Fiji National University (FNU) doing a trade diploma in banking in 2015, I just studied for the first semester but then I decided to start a family,” she said.

“I was concentrating on being a mother, but this news of free courses made me take a chance.

“My advice to people in an analogous situation like me is that you have your own journey, but you don’t have to stop there.

“You have to try another thing; I had an interest in banking, but I was keen to learn new skills.”

She was grateful for the support provided by her husband.

“When I told my husband about it, he was supportive and paid for my bus fare,” Ms Vuidravuwalu said.

“He even gifted me an overlock machine for Mother’s Day, it was something I always wished for.

“Just by learning how to use the machine, I was able to sew kalavata for my family for a wedding.”

Former Police Officer

Former Police officer Karolina Ravolaca, said one could overcome hardships with a positive mindset.

The 54-year-old of Navuniyaumunu Village in Saivou, Ra was the oldest in the group to be awarded a certificate in fashion and design.

Ms Ravolaca is focused on helping her family get through these challenging times.

“Life is getting tough nowadays and I had to help my family earn some money and buy food for the children every day,” she said.

“My husband is a farmer by profession and the cost of living is high and rising.”

Her life as a Police officer involved battling issues every day and she wanted to practice during her retirement.

“I was supposed to retire in August this year but due to personal reasons I am at home,” Ms Ravolaca said.

“I learnt sewing during my school days and have been in the Fiji Police Force for the past 27 years.”

Her advice to those who have lost their jobs due to COVID and are seeking employment is to venture into farming.

“My husband plants yaqona and dalo in Taveuni. The farming business is really good now,” she said

“Just have a positive mindset before stepping into learning new things.”

Motivated by her friends who now operate their own businesses, Ms Ravolaca also wishes to operate her own sewing business soon.

Feedback:  sheenal.charan@fijisun.com.fj