Graduate honours late father after emotional milestone

Surrounded by more than 30 family members who travelled from Vanuatu, Wilson Napakairana stood proudly at his graduation carrying both joy and heartbreak after losing his father just months before the milestone.

The young man from Ifira Island in Port Vila described the occasion as bittersweet, knowing his father, who had planned for the special day, was no longer there to witness it.

“I am very happy, I am very excited and at the same time I feel sad my father who was supposed to be here passed away last year,” he said.

Mr Napakairana’s achievement marked a historic moment for his family, as he became one of the first — if not the first — to reach this level of higher education by completing a master’s degree.

But the road to graduation was filled with sacrifice and hardship.

Balancing work, studies and family responsibilities while coping with grief tested his determination.

“It’s very challenging working and trying to manage school work and family,” he said.

There were moments he considered giving up, especially during the pressure of postgraduate studies and long nights of coursework.

Still, he remained focused, determined to inspire not only his family but also young people from his small island community.

“I want to be the inspiration especially to our island because we are just a small island,” Mr Napakairana said.

His graduation also became a celebration of family sacrifice and support.

Relatives in Vanuatu organised fundraising efforts to travel to Fiji and celebrate the achievement together, turning the occasion into an emotional reunion filled with pride and love.

Mr Napakairana also acknowledged the support of Ifira Trust Limited, whose scholarship assistance helped make his studies possible.

In an emotional tribute, he described his late father as the driving force behind his success.

“He was the pillar of strength and hope. He was the one organising for this year but he is not here with us,” he said.

Now seen as a role model within his community, Mr Napakairana hopes his story encourages young people across Vanuatu, especially those who may have dropped out of school.

“Stay positive, never give up. If I can do it, everyone can,” he said.