Success Of Students, Outweighs Teaching Challenges: Qalobula

Despite facing challenges during 34 years of being in the teaching profession, Josua Qalobula says witnessing the success of his students outweighed all the struggles he faced in his teaching career.

The 55-year-old Vanuavatu, Lau native and father of six children was one of the 38 retiring teachers honoured at Natabua High School in Lautoka last week.

“I met a lot of challenges like the environment, for example, we were in Yasawa Secondary School for two years when we had the long drought, challenges with students, the new teachers and then we have communities that at times were not supportive and the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

“When I look at the satisfaction and seeing some of my students, it’s just amazing. That’s the kind of satisfaction we get out of this job. And to me, that outweighs all the challenges we face as a teacher.”

Mr Qalobula began teaching in 1986 before pursuing further studies then afterwards resumed teaching from 1986 at Navesau Adventist High School for four years, later transferring to Sila Central High School in 1992.

Minister honours retiring teachers

At the event which honoured the retiring teachers last week, Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Premila Kumar stressed that while many people questioned civil servants’ salaries, particularly teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic, most were unaware of the additional tasks these teachers took on to assist the Government.

“While you make the best use of your retirement to relax with your family and your friends. I’m calling upon you to use your experience, wisdom and expertise to guide and mentor our children, our youth,” she said.

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