School dropout eyes career in agriculture

After receiving the Naleba Youth Training Centre Best Practical Award on Thursday, Timoci Yavumeke has set his sights on becoming an agricultural officer.

The 17-year-old lad graduated with a Certificate in Agriculture Crop Production Level Four at the Ramada Encore Hotel.

Originally from Galoa Island in Bua, the teenager with maternal links to Nadogo, Macuata was among the 31 graduates of Naleba.

“I never realised that after completing Year 10 at All Saints Secondary School in Labasa, I would go back to studies,” Timoci said.

“It was through the centre’s staff encouragement and support I got enrolled because I always had a passion for agriculture.”

The middle child of three siblings said since he was equipped with the skills and knowledge of basic agriculture and farming, he wants to become an agricultural officer.

“As soon as I got my certificate and award I ran to my parents and requested if they could support my further studies and they agreed,” he said.

“They have done so much for us children including the move from Bua to live at Nacula Village in Labasa so that we could attend secondary schools.”

Timoci’s dream is to secure a permanent job so that he can support his parents financially in the future.

Dad, Jone Rabukuta, was proud of his son’s achievement despite many setbacks.

“As parents we should love and help them to grow even if things might not go as planned like any other normal family,” Mr Rabukuta said.

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