Mother of seven earns top honours

At 42, Vani Sokomuri has become the first in her family to achieve a tertiary education qualification.

She was among 28 graduates of the Then India Sanmarga Ikya (TISI) Sangam College of Nursing and Health Care Education, earning a National Certificate in Aged Care and Community Care Level Three.

During the graduation ceremony held at the Civic Centre in Labasa on Tuesday, the expectant mother of her seventh child shared her inspiring journey of perseverance over six demanding months.

"After putting all my children to sleep, I would study until lam," she said.

"Sometimes I'd sleep with them and wake up at 2am to study before preparing breakfast and sending them off to school."

Her weekdays were a whirlwind.

"Monday to Friday felt like rush hour.

"After sending the children to school and arranging a babysitter for my youngest, I had to ensure I was in class by 8am," Ms Sokomuri said.

Originally from Baravi Village, Navakasiga, Bua, and the eldest  of six siblings, she was awarded the Best Clinical Student Female award.

Despite completing Year 13 at Labasa Sangam (SKM) College and starting a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of the South Pacific, financial constraints forced her to abandon her studies and focus on family life after marriage.

"I always wanted to study," she said.

"Like others, I dreamed of attaining tertiary education and setting a positive example for my childrento show them that dreams should never be abandoned."

She thanked her husband, Napolioni Latianara, an officer with the Labasa Corrections Service, for supporting her throughout her academic journey.

Feedback: shratikan@fijisun.com.fj