Nadarivatu Lad Sets Benchmark
“I struggled; it was not an easy journey. I remained hopeful. In times of despair my parents kept me going.”
Wednesday 17 April 2024 | 03:18
Back, from left: Waisale Rokovoli and Luke Ketewai. Front, from left; Mother Reapi Ului, John Speight Ravula and father Ilisoni Ravula. Photo: Sosiveta Korobiau
John Speight Ravula, 23, was determined to break the dropout cycle at his village in Nadarivatu in the interior of Viti Levu.
At the Fiji National University graduation yesterday, he proudly held his Bachelor of Education (Secondary) certificate, standing tall as his name was announced at the Vodafone arena. His parents beamed with pride beside him.
The Marou, Nadarivatu bachelor graduated majoring in History and Geography.
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“In my village I am the first to reach this level, to graduate with a degree from a university,” Mr Ravula said.
“I struggled; it was not an easy journey. I remained hopeful. In times of despair my parents kept me going.”
The dream of becoming a teacher was always at the back of his mind while growing up.
Seeing how his peers and those older than him returning to the village after primary and secondary school challenged him to break the dropout cycle.
He was determined to set the standard that there are opportunities after secondary school to secure a better future.
“I want to prove that nothing is impossible, you don’t have to be rich to achieve great,” he said.
“All we need are prayers, hard work and staying on track to achieve our goals.
“The village, your people, fun and land will always be there; I guess my peers feel secured with all that but I was not.
“Not that I want to be different, but there are opportunities which we can use and why not when those opportunities are here at our doorsteps.”
At the peak of the global pandemic (COVID-19), Mr Ravula had to return to his village; where wi-fi reception was poor and he was unable to continue his classes. His mobile phone was his only medium for communication.
It was a challenge to complete his units as connectivity was poor and the geographical location made communication difficult.
He did not have a laptop so he wrote up his assignments and mailed them through the post as that was the only way his assignments could reach his tutors.
With no laptop and internet connection, Mr Ravula had no other choice but to use whatever resources he had to complete his assignments.
“I made sure I was ahead with deadlines because my assignments were sent through the Post Office.
“It was during COVID and movement was restricted but I was determined. Luckily then moving around was restricted so I had time to do my assignments; there was not disturbance from my peers, relatives and friends in the village.
“Today is a special day as it is a testament that nothing is impossible; hopefully there would be more from my village graduating in future. I have set a benchmark, hopefully there will more from Marou in this gown tomorrow.”
Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj
