Repeka Follows Dad’s Path to Dux Trophy

Single father Epeli Balawa, 50, dropped to his knees, overcome with emotion, when his daughter’s name, Repeka Koroi, was announced as the Year Eight dux award recipient at Vudibasoga Catholic School in Seaqaqa, Macuata, yesterday.

Mr Balawa, a yaqona farmer of Korovuli Village said those were tears of joy because Repeka also received a sponsorship letter from Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School to further pursue her education and sporting career.

The second eldest of four siblings had won gold in the Under-14 girls 800 meters final and 1500 metres final at last month’s Fiji Primary Schools Tucker Ice Cream Games at the HFC Bank stadium, Suva.

“Since my wife left four years ago, I have been looking after my four children and it hasn’t been easy,” Mr Balawa said.

“I am crying more because Repeka has followed by footstep as I was Bulavou District School Year Eight dux in 1989.”

Repeka scored 425 out of 500 in the annual examination. The 14-year-old achiever aspires to be a primary school teacher; she has been staying in the school’s hostel with her siblings aged six, ten and 15.

“Every Friday we go home to spend time with dad and then return to school on Monday,” Repeka said.

“I dedicate my achievement to my father and wish him long life from God since he is the only one I have.”

She described some moments when she used to cry inside the dining hall while having dinner thinking whether the father has eaten or not.

“My father’s parents passed away and when we’re in school he’s alone at home,” she said.

“When we leave home on Monday for school, he wakes up at 4am to prepare breakfast and dress up the younger siblings for school even though it’s difficult for him.”

She thanked the teachers for their kindness and coach, Iosefo Apisai for training her to win the two gold medals.

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