Pioneer Raiko Picks Up Baton of Honour
Raiko’s achievement is special because the first passing-out parade is part of the Saint Teresa of Lisieux parish week-long jubilee celebrations.
Saturday 05 October 2024 | 10:42
Pioneer Saint Theresa of Lisieux College Baton of Honour recipient Sakiusa Raiko with his mother Marica Maramanikaisuva on October 4, 2024. Photo: Shaniyah Khan
An emotional Marica Maramanikaisuva could not contain her tears when she heard her eldest son’s name called out as the Baton of Honour recipient at the first Saint Theresa of Lisieux College cadet passing-out parade on Friday.
Her son Year 12, Sakiusa Raiko’s achievement is special because the first passing-out parade is part of the Saint Teresa of Lisieux parish week-long centennial celebrations.
Chief guest was Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Major-General Jone Kalouniwai.
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‘’I couldn’t control my tears when I heard my son’s name called out, life is not easy and to witness this achievement is worth every inch of hardship and struggle – God is great,’’ said Ms Maramanikaisuva from Lavena, Taveuni.
She shares the struggles she and her husband go through as subsistence farmers, to support their family especially Raiko’s education.
‘’After planting we need to wait for four months until we can take our produce to sell in the market, most days we rely on the Sigatoka River for food and income,’’ she said.
She expressed that, like all parents, attending school events to meet her son’s teachers and classmates was something she always prioritised.
“This school (primary and college) is located on the other side of Sigatoka River, we then climb up the hill to get to school, the conditions are worse on rainy days,” she said.
“This school is special because it provides holistic education to our children – the church is in the same compound so praying is part of their everyday programme.
“He is our eldest, we know that if he does well his younger siblings will follow.”
For Raiko who is from Nalebaleba, Bemana, Nadroga despite having to juggle school and cadet training, was determined to be focused.
Nalebaleba is one of the four villages in the tikina (district of Bemana), the other three are Tonuve, Volinagerua and Tuvu.
‘’The journey was not easy for me and my fellow cadets, we have had a wild ride along the way but at the end of it we can see the fruits of our hard work,’’ said Mr Raiko.
He aspires to do carpentry and joinery after finishing high school.
Feedback: shaniyah.khan@fijisun.com.fj
