Age Not A Barrier For Sanivalati Vukinagauna

Age should not be a barrier when pursuing education.

This was the sentiment shared by Sanivala­ti Vukinagauna, who graduated on Wednesday from the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) held at the Fiji National University, Nasinu Campus.

He graduated with a Certificate III in Tourism.

Mr Vukinagauna, 40, says his success under the programme did not start well.

He applied for enrolment twice. The first time he applied, he did not have the experience because the programme he was keen about required three years’ experience.

Mr Vukinagauna returned to the hospitality in­dustry, worked for another year, until he met the requirements.

He was ambitious, focused and determined to en­rol into APTC. On Wednesday he graduated as the only male under the programme with three other females.

“Where do I start ?” he said.

“It’s been a journey, nothing comes easy. I had al­ways told myself I should never look at my age as a barrier to the achievements I can accomplish. To­day (Wednesday), I did it.”

Mr Vukinagauna made sacrifices in silence with hurdles he encountered, staying on jobs that could sustain him another week and worked extra hours to earn more. He even navigated through financial obstacles that could hinder his progress.

“The beauty of struggle is that, at the end of the day, a beautiful feeling of relief happens to you.

“It wouldn’t be possible also if I did not have the patience, right family support system and right group of peers.”

He is optimistic about getting back into the local hospitality industry, and eventually earn an oppor­tunity abroad.

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Story By: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj