‘Never give up’: Former Labasa lorry boy makes family proud with RFMF graduation
He said the three-month training was challenging, but he remained determined to complete the course.
Thursday 20 August 2026 | 13:30
Saheel Samendra Lal (middle) with his mother, Saroj Lata (left), father Dharmendra Lal (right) and nephew, Shadvik Lal, during the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Basic Recruit Course graduation in Nasinu on August 14, 2026.
Photo: Supplied
Three months of military training have opened a new chapter for a former lorry boy from Labasa.
Saheel Samendra Lal recently graduated from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) 2/26 Basic Recruit Course (BRC) in Nasinu.
The 29-year-old worked as a lorry boy and did part-time fishing with his father and brothers in Labasa before joining the RFMF.
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Mr Lal, of Wailevu Tiri, Labasa, said he was also part of an army soccer league team for three years.
He said the three-month training was challenging, but he remained determined to complete the course.
“Doing blue-collar jobs while trying to support my family was very challenging for me,” Lal said.
He said he never expected that he would one day graduate from the RFMF or reach the stage of completing the training.
“I really gave my best during training, and I always dreamt of making my parents and family proud,” he said.
He said the challenges during training tested him, but he refused to give up.
“My achievement is also a source of pride for my family, who have supported me throughout this journey,” he said.
Mr Lal said his message to youths and anyone doing blue-collar jobs was to never give up and keep trying because, in the end, they would succeed.
He added that the training had given him a new direction as he began his career in the military.
