Sereana Ready To Go Out To Sea

When her parents could not pay her fees during her first year of university Sereana Lutunauga opted to stay home to ease the financial burden.

But thankfully, a chance reading through the newspaper gave her the opportunity to apply for a sponsorship which allowed her to fulfil her education journey.

The 21-year-old who hails from Bau Island and has maternal links to Lutu, Naitasiri, was one of the 18 students who graduated from the Deck Hand Fishing Programme at Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA) yesterday.

The bycatch and mitigation component of the Deck Hand Fishing programme, was developed through the project “Developing Sustainable and Responsible Tuna Longline Fisheries in Fiji”, a partnership between FMA, Fiji Fishing Industry Association, Ministry of Fisheries and WWF Pacific.

The project is funded by the NZAid Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and co-ordinated by WWF NZ.

The eldest of four siblings said she was lucky to have come across a course that was paid for.

“Things are tough at home, especially when my parents don’t work. I felt that I needed to look after my younger siblings since I was the eldest. I thank the sponsors for allowing me to be part of the course,” Ms Lutunauga said.

Ms Lutunauga said she never regretted her decision to join the course.

“I believe this is the starting of my journey in ensuring that I give a better life for my family. Now we will have to get ready to go out at sea for the next 24 months.”

Edited by Epineri Vula