A group of 14 women are on a mission to not only raise the standard of living for their families but most importantly sup­port their children’s educational needs.

These women were part of the 165 Fijians that were farewelled by the Ministry of Employment, Pro­ductivity and Industrial Relations Permanent Secretary, Osea Cawa­ru, on Friday to work in Australia under the Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme.

They will depart Fiji next month and will work as caregivers in Aus­tralia for four years.

Part of the group was Kinisimere Tusausau, a 50-year-old mother of four from Labasa in Vanua Levu.

Ms Tusausau said she was grate­ful for the opportunity to go to Aus­tralia and be able to support her family through this difficult time.

She added that she took short courses at the Fiji National Uni­versity, Labasa, last year where she graduated with a certificate in car­egiving.

“When I was informed that I was chosen to go and work in Australia, I was so happy,” she said.

“I have three children that are still studying with the youngest in class 8.

“My husband works as a security officer in Labasa and life for us has not always been a bed of roses.”

She said going to work in Austral­ia was a blessing for her and her family

“The priority is my children’s edu­cation and just improving the liveli­hood of my family.

“I was in New Zealand in 2020, I did fruit picking and this is my sec­ond time to go.

“I encourage those that are un­employed to try this out. There are opportunities available that they can take up like this scheme, it has helped us a lot and it will continue to help more Fijians.”

Another mother, Mereani Ra­soki said she was grateful for the opportunity and looked for­ward to supporting her fam­ily back home financially.

Edited by Jeremiah Ligairi

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