Graduate sets sights on supporting students with disabilities

Kavita Kriti Singh proudly graduated yesterday with a Diploma in Special and Inclusive Education from the Fiji National University, marking a major milestone in her long and determined journey.

For Ms Singh, who lives with an eye disability, the achievement is more than a qualification; it is the fulfilment of a dream to educate students living with various disabilities.

“I have a passion for disability because I am a person with a disability. I would say my hard work has paid off despite all the challenges I faced,” Ms Singh said.

Balancing mobility, study, and daily obstacles has not been easy, but Ms Singh persevered, completing her diploma within four years, a timeline she is proud of.

One of her biggest challenges was finding a substitute for a Hindi unit. Although of Indian descent, she did not attend mainstream school.

“I went to a special school, so we did not do Hindi. I had to look for a totally different unit and get approval. That was a hassle,” she said.

Managing work alongside her studies also tested her discipline.

“You have to prioritise and sometimes you have to sacrifice, like losing sleep. But to score good grades, you have to work hard,” she said.

Ms Singh is currently employed at the FNU Disability Centre. She hopes to pursue a degree in Special and Inclusive Education if the programme becomes available, and later step into teaching, depending on future opportunities.

She attended the graduation alone as her mother was unwell, but said the day remains one of the proudest moments of her life.