Bui first to graduate from Nakavika

Miriama Bui had to endure many sacrifices in life to provide for her family and daughter.

Yesterday she got the biggest breakthrough during the Centre for Appropriate Technology and Development (CATD) graduation at the Civic Centre Suva.

She was named the best automotive engineering student in her class.

Ms Bui, 22, encountered many struggles in her journey, but never allowed them to discourage her.

Being the first female to graduate from Nakavika Village in Namosi, Ms Bui openly shared tears of joy as she recalled the struggle of getting a formal education.

After completing secondary education, she had high hopes of getting a degree at the Fiji National University.

Unfortunately financial constraints was another hurdle so she was forced to explore other options.

“I went back to my village to do some farming and help my parents until a representative from the CATD came to my village to present courses they provided,” Ms Bui said.

Applying for a place at the institution was a hassle, but things changed for the better when she received a call from an CATD officer that her application was approved.

“Over one year of study I was faced with a lot of peer pressure, especially from boys. But I had to shut out all obstacles and keep focussed, ” Ms Bui said.

“Today, I recall the struggles I had to endure, but now I’m optimistic because the field I’m in has many job opportunities.” Ms Bui said being a single mother at a young age didn’t discourage her from breaking barriers.

Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj