From Qamea to the top: Silaitoga wins big at Montfort

At just 20 years old, Melibond Silaitoga has cemented his place as one of Montfort Boys Town’s shining stars of 2025.

A proud son of Kocoma, Qamea in Taveuni, with maternal roots in Lutu, Wainibuka, Naitasiri, Silaitoga graduated yesterday with both his FNU Trade Certificate Class 3 and National Qualification Certificate Level 3 in Building Trade.

And he didn’t just graduate — he dominated.

Silaitoga walked away with two of the ceremony’s top honours:
• Best Trainee in Building Trade, and
• The Brother Thomas Memorial Trophy for Best All-Round Student

Speaking after the ceremony, the soft-spoken achiever said he was still processing the recognition.

“I didn’t expect to get any awards at today’s graduation, but I’m grateful to the Lord for it,” he said.

Behind his success were years of sacrifice. Silaitoga admitted the hardest part of his training was being away from home. His parents could not always make visitation days — a reality that weighed heavily on him.

“At times I always think of my parents and that motivates me to work hard,” he said. Seeing them in the crowd today made the moment even more emotional.

Now armed with qualifications and confidence, Silaitoga plans to continue his studies by pursuing a Diploma in Construction at Fiji National University.

He also offered words of encouragement to young people who may doubt themselves.

“No matter how weak you think you are, just keep going and keep believing in yourself. You will be able to achieve anything.”

The young tradesman closed by thanking God and his parents for their unwavering support throughout his journey.