Angie Continues To Inspire Fijian Women
When I was in the hospital, I thought if God had a purpose for me, I would survive and if he didn’t I was ready to go. I said to myself, if I live and there is a purpose for me to serve, I will serve so that is when I started my designing.
Monday 22 March 2021 | 10:22
Sitting on the chair, fourth from left: Angie Rakai-Niumataiwalu and the Commissioner Western, Mesake Ledua (sixth from left ) with the women in the Western Division after the conclusion of the three-day workshop in Lautoka on March 20, 2021. Photo: Nicolette Chambers
When Angie Rakai-Niumataiwalu was only a high school student, she was diagnosed with first degree stomach ulcer.
The doctors had informed her parents that she wouldn’t make it, but her faith kept her strong to fight the disease.
The Savusavu mother-of-two children then began her career in designing clothes, something she had always had a passion for.
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Last week, Ms Rakai-Niumataiwalu held a three-day workshop for about 50 women in the Western Division to teach them about the different methods of designing sarongs, pillowcases, table cloths and many more.
“In my time there was no social media and so painting kept me busy,” she said.
“I left school because I had first degree ulcers. I was sent home because I was in the hospital every second week, I didn’t really know what was happening to me at that time.
“The doctors told my dad that there was nothing that they could do to me, but I took herbal medicine and I believe through that I survived.
“When I was in the hospital, I thought if God had a purpose for me, I would survive and if he didn’t I was ready to go. I said to myself, if I live and there is a purpose for me to serve, I will serve so that is when I started my designing.”
She said her idea of designing was thought about while she was still sick and admitted at the hospital.
She said one important thing was to coordinate the colour of the paint and the fabric.
Ms Rakai-Niumataiwalu has plans to teach more women around the country as a way of earning a living for themselves.
She resides in Australia and is currently in Fiji after the borders closed last year.
Feedback: nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj
