Grief could not stop him: Graduate honours parents’ sacrifice

After losing both his maternal grandmother and father during his university years, Kitione Raibevu made a promise to himself — he would not give up until he earned his degree.

Yesterday, standing proudly at the Fiji National University graduation ceremony at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva, he finally achieved that dream.

The young man from Nailaga, Ba, with roots in Naqalotu, Yawe in Kadavu, described his academic journey as one marked by heartbreak, hardship and perseverance.

Raised by his mother after the death of his grandmother in 2017, Mr Raibevu faced another devastating loss when his father died just before his first semester finals in 2021.

“It was a difficult time for me, I thought my journey would stop there,” he said.

Without emotional and financial support, he was forced to put his studies on hold.

Determined not to give up, Mr Raibevu volunteered with Hope Channel Studio, working in its videography and photography unit.

The experience reignited his determination.

In 2023, he took what he described as a “leap of faith” and applied for a scholarship through the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service.

“They saw my grades and gave me an opportunity,” Mr Raibevu said.

Through several scholarship extensions granted because of his academic performance, he slowly rebuilt his studies while supporting himself through freelance photography and videography work.

Even then, the struggle continued.

He often missed classes because of work commitments, but refused to let setbacks derail his dream.

Mr Raibevu said his faith, church community, youth groups and his mother helped carry him through his darkest moments.

“To my family, it means anything is possible,” he said, becoming the first in his family to reach that level of education.

As the youngest of eight siblings, he now hopes his journey inspires his nieces and nephews to continue pursuing education despite challenges.

“I’m trying to pave a way for them, if it’s possible with me, it’s possible for them too.”

Mr Raibevu’s message to young people across Fiji is simple.

“Anything is possible with God, with dedication, and hard work.”

His story is one of grief, faith and perseverance — proof that even in the face of loss, dreams can still be achieved.