Widow, 63, graduates and revives her sewing dreams

Graduating from the Fiji National University (FNU) has revived the skills and talents of 63-year-old Luse Biu.
The widow from Nakavu, Nadi, was one of 707 students who graduated with a Certificate in Garment Construction Techniques and Procedures at the FNU Namaka Campus last Friday.
A mother of six and grandmother to nine, Ms Biu lost her husband, a Methodist pastor in 2001.

When her husband died, she took her children to Nakavu Village in Nadi. She said a flood destroyed her sewing business and food selling business.

“I couldn’t continue sewing until last year and then in April my daughter bought me a new sewing machine,” she said.

“The machine arrived in time and that was when this FNU course was implemented, and I didn’t hesitate to enrol for study.

“A new journey for me started after this graduation. I will start my business first with my children and their families because my daughters always asked for my dresses or sulu jaba to wear, but now, I will start my business with them.

“I believe the dresses and clothes they wear will be able to market them to their places of work, social gatherings’ or church services. That is my plan.”

She said she set examples to her children of the way she lived.

“When their dad passed away, I supported my children with a little bit of sewing and selling food. I always remind them to never rely on people to survive. I set an example of the way I raised them up without asking people to support us.

“Her message to all women, mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers not to let age or being a village woman limit them for achieving greater things.

“For the God-given talents and the skills we have, we need to make use of until God calls us home. Being educated at a university and graduate from there makes me to feel young again,” Ms Biu said.

Feedback: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj