Ba Couple Graduate From Postgraduate Studies
A couple from Ba graduated with their Postgraduate Diplomas in Education yesterday, marking a milestone achievement in their family of three.
Amresh Chand, 31, and Darshani Kumar,29, have had to endure many struggles in order to wear their graduation gowns at the Fiji National University graduation at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.
Both of them are primary school teachers. Mr Chand has been a teacher for 11 years while Ms Kumar has taught for seven.
“We were eager to learn more. As we pursue all that is in the system, we want to know more,” Mr Chand said.
“We also wanted to learn more about the curriculum and the styles for the betterment of the students.”
They decided to enrol at the university amid the COVID-19 pandemic last year, determined to do what was best for their family – especially for their son.
“We really had to struggle in terms of completing assignments because our son is young. Some nights we had to wait for him to go to sleep before we could get on with our studies,” Ms Kumar said.
“Other nights we took turns in terms of looking after our son. Some nights it would be me that’s looking after him while my wife gets on with her class,” Mr Chand said.
There were times where they would sacrifice weekends to catch up with their school work.
Mr Chand said the idea to further their studies together was a choice that they were both proud of.
“People must give their all in their studies in order to make it to the end.”
While being chief guest at the Fiji National University graduation yesterday, Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar, says education is the most important and the smartest investment of all.
She stressed that education was the pathway to breaking the toxic cycles within societies whether it was gender based violence, poverty, discrimination or any form of inequality.
“We believe that having an educated society will contribute greatly to the economic and social development of our nation,” Ms Akbar said.
“This investment in Fijians – and in our children – is for the benefit of a vibrant Fiji of today and in the future.
Story By: josefa.babitu@fijisun.com.fj
