Ratu Mara Scholarship, A New Hope For Ruci

Ruci Vukialau hopes to make a name for herself in a male-dominated field.

She was offered a scholarship from the Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara Education Trust Fund to do her Diploma in Welding and Fabrication at the Centre for Appropriate Technology & Development at Nadave.

The 19-year-old left Susui Village in Lomaloma, Vanuabalavu in search for a better education.

She applied for a TELS scholarship to study Marine Biology, but her application was rejected.

The former Adi Maopa Secondary School student said she was in a dilemma because the scholarship was the only way to pay her fees.

“My dad is a farmer and getting the scholarship was my only hope because no one in my family could pay my fees,” Ruci said.

“I only got to know that I wasn’t awarded the TELS scholarship when I reach Suva and I didn’t know how to tell my parents, but I am glad that this scholarship will make it possible for me to achieve my dreams.

“My uncle told me about the scholarship, and he encouraged me to do welding and fabrication programme. I tried it out and I am loving it.”

Ruci said she would make sure to make her parents proud.

“When I told my dad that I would be doing a Diploma in Welding and Fabrication in Nadave he told me that it was a field for men. I told him that I can do it too and will do it better,” she said.

“My mum was supportive and told me to work hard and make sure that I make them proud.

“I am the first in the family to attend a tertiary institution and getting this scholarship means a lot to me and will make sure that I attain the highest level of qualification in this field.

“I left the village in search for a better education because my parents are depending on me to improve our life.”

Edited by Selita Rabuku

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