Age no barrier for determined grandmothers

At 52 and 65, Verenaisi Raditora and Miriama Tuinawavo are proving that age is no barrier to education — or to chasing a dream of working overseas.

The two grandmothers proudly graduated with a National Certificate in Literacy and Numeracy at the Pacific Polytech campus in Tagitagi, Tavua, last Friday.

For both women, the qualification is more than a certificate. It represents another step towards opportunities they once thought were beyond their reach.

Both have worked in the tourism industry and believe strengthening their English and literacy skills could open doors to employment overseas.

For Ms Raditora, 52, returning to study fulfilled a dream she had carried since her school days.

Originally from Vuci Village in Tokatoka, Tailevu, she now runs a small business in Lautoka and is a mother of three and grandmother of three.

She struggled with English and mathematics in high school, but never gave up on her desire to improve.

“I was hoping that someday I would have the opportunity to study English and literacy. I know there are many good job opportunities, especially overseas, for people who have good English.”

When she discovered the programme was being offered free of charge, she did not hesitate to enrol.

Her message to others is simple.

“I think age should never limit what we can achieve in life.”

For Ms Tuinawavo, 65, returning to the classroom came after years of working, raising a family and helping care for the next generation.

A widow, mother of three and grandmother of eight, she had worked in a hotel before staying home to care for her grandchildren while her daughter worked.

But the hope of one day working overseas remained.

“At this age, I enjoy studying.

“After working in a hotel, I stayed home to look after my grandchildren while my daughter worked.

“I joined this course because I have always hoped that one day I would have the opportunity to work overseas. The only barrier for me was the English language. I knew I had to speak and understand English well before I could work overseas. When Pacific Polytech offered this opportunity, I grabbed it.”

Returning to study later in life has also given Ms Tuinawavo a deeper appreciation of education and the sacrifices required to achieve her goals.

She refuses to be discouraged by those who believe she is too old to be in a classroom.

“At this age, I have realised the importance of education and the sacrifices we need to make if we want to achieve anything in life. Some people may say I am too old to study, but those words mean nothing to me because I am determined to achieve my goals.”

For the two grandmothers, graduation day was not the end of their journey.

It was another beginning — and proof that dreams do not come with an age limit.