Only female graduate at Montfort Technical Institute inspires with bold ambition

Among the 44 graduates of Montfort Technical Institute (MTI) in Savusavu, Mariana Grace Rokotovitovi stood out as a trailblazer.

The 20-year-old, from Vunidamoli Village in the Wailevu District, Cakaudrove, was the only female graduate, receiving her Certificate in Cabinet Making in the presence of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka last Saturday.

Ms Rokotovitovi, who also won MTI’s Best Female Cadet Award for 2024 and 2025, said her achievement came after two challenging years in a male-dominated field.

“Studying among male colleagues was very challenging, but with encouragement from my mother, I was able to complete this certificate,” she said.

“After my father, an ex-British soldier, passed away four years ago, I have depended on my mother for everything.”

The eldest of two siblings, she now plans to further her studies in cabinet making at Fiji National University, with the ambition of starting her own business.

“I want to become the first female in Savusavu to open a furniture shop,” she said.

“I enjoy designing furniture and being creative.”

She encouraged young girls to take on challenges, even when raised by a single parent, adding that faith had guided her journey.

Her mother, Vasemaca Rokotovitovi, said she was proud to see her daughter succeed.

“It’s not easy raising two children without the head of the house, but I thank Jesus for giving me strength,” she said.

“I also thank the institute for accommodating female students so they can pursue their career pathways.”