Living In A Tent, Maca Overcame Challenges, Awarded Dux

Living in a makeshift tent did not stop Maca Loaloa from scooping the dux award at Vunisalusalu Cen­tral School in Cakaudrove.

The 13-year-old uses a portable solar light to study and a nearby creek for bathing and drinking.

Maca was also given the leadership award. She was the head girl of the school and won all subject prizes for Year Eight.

From Left: Vunisalusalu Central School head teacher Ravinesh Lal, Iowani Ledua with his daughter Maca Loaloa and wife Ilisapeci Matavura during the prize giving on December 10, 2020. Photo: Vunisalusalu Central School

“I want to thank my parents who work so hard in the veg­etable and yaqona farm just to support me in my educa­tion,” Maca said.

“I am content with whatever I have because my parents are my biggest blessing.”

Her father, Iowani Ledua is originally from Taveuni and married to his wife, Ilisapeci Matavura who is from Va­turova.

“I don’t have a land to do my farming in Taveuni but my wife does so we decided to do farming and live close to the school so that our daughter gets the best education,” he said.

He said they were very proud to have a daughter who overcomes challenges without complaining just to make her dream come true.

Maca hopes to join Labasa College and live in the hostel.

The aspiring doctor scored 481 out of 500 in her annual examination.

School head teacher, Ravinesh Lal, said despite all chal­lenges, she was able to prove that hard work and determi­nation wins it all.