Street Hawker Savours Daughter’s Success

Last year was not an easy one for Elisha Goundar, 18, after her mother died.

She adjusted her life and time with her studies, two younger siblings, and home chores.

The Korovuto College student in Nadi scored 350 marks out of 400 in the 2023 Fiji Year 13 Certificate Examination (FY13CE). She scored 100 per cent in mathematics.

After her mother died last year, her father, Rajendra Goundar, took care of her and her three sisters.

Her father sells jewellery, socks, and gadgets accessories at Nadi Town.

She said life without a mother was a challenge while preparing for her external examination.

“2023 was not an easy year for me after my mother died,” she said.

“I have three other sisters. The eldest got married and lives with her husband. I am the second eldest and it was not easy to manage things at home when mum is no longer there.

“I acknowledge my two younger sisters who clean the house and cook, which allows me to focus on my studies.”

Elisha said her father was an inspiration to her academic achievements.

“He is committed every day to selling on the street to support us. During holidays or weekends, I help my father with the business. I ended up getting good marks with 100 per cent in math because of him.

“I am grateful that I have a disciplined father. We wake up early in the morning and manage everything at home before we disperse for the day. That disciplined life contributed a lot to my achievement in school.

“He takes good care of us.”

Mr Goundar said despite all they went through, her daughter’s achievement made him happy.

Elisha plans to enrol at the Fiji National University to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

Feedback: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj