Financial struggles fail to stop Ledua from graduating

Financial hardship and restricted access to study materials nearly forced a young Fijian woman to abandon her studies, but encouragement from her mother kept her going until she graduated with a Diploma in Animal Husbandry.

Losalini Ledua, originally from Qelekaro, Matuku in Lau, with maternal links to Mudu Village in Lomaiviti, graduated from the Fiji National University's College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

“I’m excited, emotional and happy,” she said shortly after graduating.

The third child in her family, Ms Ledua said her journey through university was marked by significant financial challenges, including periods when she was locked out of her online learning platform and unable to access lecture notes, quizzes and assignments essential to her coursework.

“It was really hard,” she said.

Despite the setbacks, she continued her studies with one constant source of motivation — her mother.

“My mum was the only thing that kept me going,” she said. “She always encouraged me to be strong so I can graduate, get a good job and support them in return.”

Ms Ledua admitted there were moments when she felt like giving up, overwhelmed by academic pressure and financial strain.

However, she said her mother’s encouragement kept her focused on completing her studies.

The emotional weight of the journey was evident as she reflected on the sacrifices her family made to support her education while facing their own challenges at home.

Now a graduate, Ms Ledua hopes her achievement will uplift her family and inspire young people across Fiji, especially those who have left school.

“Study hard, work hard and get a good job to support your family,” she said.

Her story reflects the reality faced by many students in Fiji, where determination and family support often stand between struggle and success.