Mother of two shines in Year 12 exams

Joy and emotion filled the Ministry of Education Head Office in Suva today as Year 12 students from across the islands in Fiji gathered to collect their examination results.

Among them was a proud mother of two, 31‑year‑old Seruwaia Marama from Naikawaga, Namara in Tailevu, with maternal ties to Levuka, Nabukelevu in Kadavu, whose achievement stood out.

Ms Marama, a student of Nabua Secondary School under the Matua Programme, passed the Year 12 Certificate Examinations with impressive results:

English – 86

Mathematics – 89

Geography – 85

History – 93

Vosa Vakaviti – 89

In her English and best three subjects, she scored a total of 357 out of 400 marks. Her journey, however, was far from easy.

Balancing schoolwork while raising two young daughters, Ms Marama said there were many moments of doubt and exhaustion.

After sitting her exams, she never expected such high marks.

“I honestly didn’t expect this kind of result,” she said.

“First of all, I thank God for giving me the wisdom, strength and knowledge to keep going.”

Ms Marama decided to return to school despite her age to set an example for her children.

“I wanted my daughters to see what education looks like,” she said. “I want them to know that no matter how hard life gets, learning should never stop.”

She described many late nights studying after her children had gone to sleep.

“There were days I felt tired and wanted to give up, but I reminded myself that this sacrifice was for their future as well as mine,” she said.

Ms Marama believes education has no age limit. “Education does not have an age barrier. If you have the heart to learn, then it is never too late.”

With her Year 12 success, Ms Marama is now looking ahead with confidence. She plans to continue to Year 13 and hopes to one day pursue tertiary education at university.

“To every mother who thinks it’s too late,” she said, “this result proves that dreams can still come true.”

Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj