Market vendor’s sacrifice to ensure children lack nothing at school

Before dawn breaks and before the school bell rings, Manaini Ravela is already making sacrifices so her children can walk into the classroom without feeling left behind.

For the 36-year-old mother of three from Tokoni Village, Navatusila Navosa, back-to-school shopping is not a simple task — it is a careful balancing act shaped by rising costs, hard work and a deep promise to her children’s future.

Ms Ravela is the main income earner for her family, working as a market vendor at the Nadi Market for more than 10 years. Her husband farms in their village, and together they stretch every dollar to meet their children’s needs.

She was in Nadi town today buying stationery early, hoping to spread the financial pressure before the new school year begins. Her children — a Year Seven daughter, a Year Four son and a kindergarten-aged daughter — will attend Navatusila District School.

“I just wanted to come early and buy some stationery for my children,” she said.

“I want them to have everything they need for school and to be happy.”

Ms Ravela plans to complete her shopping in stages, waiting for the Government’s $200 Back-to-School Assistance to cover the remaining items.

“When the $200 assistance comes, then I can buy the rest,” she said.

“Before school starts, I want my children to go prepared, without lacking anything.”

She said the rising cost of living has made saving difficult, forcing families like hers to shop carefully and prioritise essentials.

“Things are very expensive nowadays. Life is hard, and it is challenging to save money,” she said.

“I always try to buy where items are affordable.”

Despite the hardship, Ms Ravela said education remains non-negotiable.

“As parents, we must work hard to give our children a better and more comfortable life,” she said.

“When it comes to school, I will always try my best to buy everything I can for them.”

Her determination is also fuelled by concern over the growing number of young people falling into crime.

“These days, we hear so much about youths getting into trouble,” she said.

“I don’t want my children to end up like that. I want them to stay in school, to become something and to have a good life.”

For Ms Ravela, every pen, book and school bag purchased is more than an expense — it is an investment.

“As a parent, taking care of our children and investing in their education is the best gift we can give them,” she said.