Submitting Assignments Online from Village Beach Pays Off
Three years of study filled with submitting assignments online from the beach because of internet connectivity.
Thursday 25 April 2024 | 10:12
Elena Koloba with her father, Sitiveni Koloba (first from left), husband Iliuta Levu and children, Adi Litia and Nathan at the Fiji National University graduation ceremony in Labasa on April 24, 2024. Photo: Shratika Naidu
A nurse who used to sit on the beach at Tawake Village, Cakaudrove, during her three years of study to access internet connection on her mobile phone, was the only person to graduate with Bachelor of Nursing in Labasa yesterday.
During the Fiji National University (FNU) graduation at the Labasa Civic Centre, Elena Koloba described that it wasn’t easy to submit assignments and do online studies.
However, the nurse of Tawake Nursing Station thanked her husband, Iliuta Levu, a yaqona farmer and her parents.
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In 2014, she graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Nursing from FNU and then worked as a nurse for nine years.
“I did my first semester in 2020, second semester in 2022 and then last semester this year,” Ms Koloba, 30, said.
“It wasn’t easy working as a fulltime nurse, looking after my two children who are in Year One and Year Two and fulfilling the role of a wife.”
She recalled there were cold sleepless nights where she would look up to the stars and pray to God to give her strength to complete her studies.
“I want to become a nurse practitioner and for that I had to complete this course.”
She is from Namakomako Village in Macuata.
“I want to remain on Vanua Levu and serve my people and give a good future to my children.”
The chief guest, Minister for Land and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo said all Government ministers were in a single room in the West while he was the only one present for this graduation was a testament of his commitment and how their Government valued them and their achievements.
“Let me reassure you that the Coalition Government remains steadfast in prioritising education as a powerful tool that propels individuals, communities, and nations toward greater success,” Mr Vosarogo said.
He said FNU held the responsibility to meet the national and regional demands for a skilled workforce, achieving this through dedicated learning, teaching, research, and collaborative efforts on both regional and global scales.
Feedback: shratikan@fijisun.com.fj
