Parental Support Yields Positive Results for Mere

Namara, Tailevu father, Ifereimi Waqacama Vesikula, 50, counted himself proud and lucky yesterday after his pursuance to support his daughter’s passion in sports proved fructuous.

Mr Vesikula, a National Fire Authority officer, was among proud parents at the Vodafone Arena in Suva during the Fiji National University (FNU) graduation.

His second daughter, Mere Drewai Vesikula, 21, received two certificates in Sports Science - Level 4 and Level 5.

She was among the three students who received the Level 5 certificate but was the only one to receive the Level 4 certificate.

“When we saw her interest in sports, we tagged along and supported her,” Mr Vesikula said.

“She was the only girl in the Tailevu South Under-9 boys’ rugby team in the Milo Kaji games during her primary school years.

“We thought she might have a change of heart after finishing high school at Adi Cakobau School, but she pursued Sports Science still and this is what it has come to be.”

Ms Drewai dedicated her achievement to her family, especially her mother, a nurse working in Australia.

Challenges

“I travelled daily from Tailevu to the Nasinu Campus to attend my classes and there were financial struggles that would come by from time to time,” she said.

“Despite these, I’m grateful that my family was always there, giving me the support I need to stay motivated.”

Ms Drewai is on an attachment with a gym in Nasinu which is to end this month.

She hopes to become a Physical Education, Music, Arts and Craft teacher.

Her father, meanwhile, said parents had huge responsibilities in nurturing their children.

He said parents needed to be reminded that no matter how big life and family challenges might become, children’s dreams and aspirations should remain a priority.

Feedback: Beranadeta@fijisun.com.fj