Manueli Rainibogi has been able to build three houses, pay for his brother’s tuition fees and buy a 12 seater mini bus.

This was all done while working under the Pacific Labour Scheme from 2016 to 2020.

Mr Rainibogi had been going to Hawkes Bay in New Zealand for fruit picking, in the hopes of putting an end to his struggles and enhancing the welfare of his family.

In 2016, many relatives had sought financial assistance from the Macu­ata native while in New Zealand. As a result, he was not able to save any money for his family.

The 32-year-old decided to change his mindset during his second trip to New Zealand.

He said his main mission was to build a home for his family.

“Life was never smooth sailing for me; my mother left us when I was only 10 years old and our father struggled every day to put food on the table,” he said.

“When I had received the news in 2016 that my application was suc­cessful, I had an aim which was to repay my elderly father for his hard work and perseverance.

“During my going over the last five years, I have been able to build three two bedroom homes, one for my older brother in Taveuni who looks after our dalo farm.

“One was for his younger brother in Makoi and his own home with his 80-year-old father. I also helped to pay for my younger brother’s ter­tiary fees and bought land for him in Makoi.”

Along with his wife and their son they have been able to save enough over the past three years.

He said it was thanks to a workshop organised by the National Employ­ment Centre.

“I would like to encourage unem­ployed school leavers to register with the centre,” he said.

“Through the Pacific Labour Scheme and Seasonal Work Pro­gramme, school leavers will be able to help their families improve their standard of living.

“The Pacific Labour Scheme has been able to provide opportunities for people living in rural areas to do this.

“Many thanks to the Fijian Gov­ernment, the economic benefits for participants under the scheme have been far better.”

Story By: nacanieli@fijisun.com.fj