From early hardship to graduation

In a second-chance education, a mother of four overcomes early school exit to graduate from University of South Pacific.

This is true as balancing motherhood, full-time work and study has been one of Ema Daveta’s greatest challenges.

She graduated with a Professional Diploma in Business Management at a ceremony held at Vodafone Arena in Suva last week.

Ms Daveta’s journey has been far from typical. Due to financial hardship, she did not complete Year 10 and entered the workforce at a young age.

Ms Daveta is from Joma Village in Kadavu, with maternal links to Natewa in Cakaudrove.

She was raised by her mother and maternal grandmother alongside her brother. They have been strong influences in shaping who she is today.

Ms Daveta has spent 12 years with Fiji Airways and is a reservations coordinator, where she oversees the call centre team based at Pacific Centrecom Fiji Limited in Suva, ensuring customers receive timely and efficient service.

“I have faced several challenges throughout my life. Growing up, I was raised by my mother and maternal grandmother, who were both strong women that did their best to provide for us,” Ms Daveta said.

“As life progressed, I became a mother and had to shelve my ambitions of further study to focus on raising my children and supporting my family. While it was not an easy decision, it was one I made out of love and responsibility.”

When she later decided to return to study, she faced another setback - the entry requirement for the programme was a Year 12 pass, which she did not have.

“I did not meet the minimum academic requirement, regardless of my years of work experience. My initial application was declined, which was very disheartening,” she said.

“However, I chose not to give up and applied for special consideration directly to the Vice-Chancellor of USP in 2024, believing in my ability and my journey.

“By the grace of God, I was granted admission into the programme, which I saw as a second chance to prove to myself that I was capable.”

Her husband, Desmond Bale, said her story reflected the realities faced by many in Fiji and highlighted the importance of second-chance access to education.

Ms Daveta plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to continue growing both personally and professionally.

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj