Sisters Grace Cama and Salanieta Tavo, dedicated their recent achievements to their late dad.

Along with the other 14 solo mums the sisters graduated on July 1 at the Vineyard Palace Restaurant in Suva.

After receiving their certificates, the sisters mentioned that they wished their father was alive to witness it.

The duo hail from Maloku Village, Moala in Lau with maternal links to Vatoa.

Providing the best for their children’s future has always been their motivation.

Grace Cama

The 26-year-old started her training with Solo Mums project and graduated with a sewing certificate along with other skills like jewelry making and flower arranging.

The youngest of four siblings has a two-year-old daughter and wants to give her the best future.

“This is the first time for me to graduate and it makes me miss my dad so much, he was always there for me,” Ms Cama said.

Salanieta Tavo

Ms Tavo used to run a home-based baking business and came across jewelry making at the training.

“I learned other skills like sewing and jewelry making,” she said.

“Now I can stand on my own two feet and look after my two kids,” she said.

Solo Mums Project

The Solo Mum’s project aims to equip women with the skills, resources, and financial support to become financially and economically independent.

The project enables 20 solo mums from informal settlements in Suva, Fiji to participate in a 20-week vocational training programme.

They learn various skills in cooking, sewing, baking, housekeeping, screen printing and jewelry making.

The women also participate in parenting, self-care, and sexual health classes.

Upon graduation, each woman is given the necessary resources, support, and a low-interest micro loan to start their own business.

International Needs Fiji facilitates a day-care to look after the children of the solo mums.

The project is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand.

Feedback: nolishma.narayan@fijisun.com.fj