Saint Thomas dux acknowledges single Dad

Siteri Namere Nanovo’s story leading to her collecting the Saint Thomas High School dux in Lautoka early this week is an inspiration.

While majority of her schoolmates have an easy journey with good family support, Ms Nanovo since primary has had to do home chores and making lunches before she heads to school.

Ms Nanovo, 18, and her five siblings have are single-handedly brought up by their father Ratu Sela Vunakasi Nanovo.

“This dux trophy is for my Ratu, he has selflessly looked after us because he knows good education will get us a good future,” Ms Nanovo said.

“Our mother had left our father, and us six siblings when I was young, growing up and seeing how he struggled to take care of the six of us, I vowed that I will study hard to get to university because I want a life better than this,” she said.

“First I want to pay back what my father has done for us by giving him a comfortable life. This trophy is dedicated to him.”

Ratu Sela works in the construction industry. The family lives at Natabua, it is within walking distance to the school.

An emotional Ms Nanovo who hails from Tavuki, Kadavu, and shares maternal links to Bua in Vanua Levu said the four sisters help with the house chores and help the younger ones get ready for school and homework.

“I thank my father who works hard to support all of us. It isn’t an easy journey. He took the role of being a mother and father for us. Watching my dad with the sacrifices he makes to take care of the six of us has inspired me to strive for a better education and a better job to help him.

“We face hardship together as a family, but he always encourages us to endure because good things lay ahead of us.

“It was through God’s strength that helped me manage my time and prioritise my studies.”

She plans to pursue her law degree with the University of Fiji next year.

Feedback: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj