Widowed father of four hopes qualification will open doors to employment

A 30-year-old Pacific Polytech graduate from Bua is hoping to secure employment to better support his four children after years of hardship following the death of his wife.

Manasa Veibete, of Banikea Village in the Lekutu district, graduated with a National Certificate in Carpentry Level Three during a ceremony at the Labasa Civic Centre on Thursday.

Mr Veibete said he had struggled to provide for his children since his wife died four years ago. His youngest child is in preschool.

Although he earned a Certificate in Carpentry through the National Employment Centre in 2014 after completing Year 12 at Labasa Muslim College, he said he had been unable to find steady employment.

“The only option I had was to return to my village and plant yaqona while my mother, Seini Tuvi, took responsibility for looking after my children,” Mr Veibete said.

“It was not until last year that my mother encouraged me to study carpentry again because the Pacific Polytech campus in Bua was within walking distance of our village.”

While proud of his achievement, Mr Veibete said his focus remained on securing a better future for his family.

“Graduation is an exciting day for me, but I worry about the welfare of my children,” he said.

“Life in the village is not as easy as it used to be, and as a father I must continue to move forward and support my children’s education.”

His cousin, Mere Ciba, also from Banikea Village, graduated with a National Certificate in Agriculture Level Three at the same ceremony.

Mere Ciba with her cousin, Manasa Veibete during the Pacific Polytech graduation ceremony at Civic Centre in Labasa on June 4, 2026.

Photo: Shratika Naidu

Ms Ciba, a housewife and mother of one, said her husband encouraged her to pursue formal education and gain a recognised qualification.

“These days, when we look for work, companies ask for a certificate or work experience, even if we come from a village,” Ms Ciba said.

“Now I am in a better position to secure employment and, when I find a job, I will be able to support my family financially.”

The pair were among 73 graduates who received their qualifications at the ceremony.