Talatoka inspires young women to dream big

Lusiana Talatoka’s journey to success is a testament to resilience and determination.

On Friday, she proudly graduated with a National Certificate in Plumbing and Sheetmetal Level Three from Pacific Polytech in Labasa.

As the eldest of 10 siblings, Ms Talatoka’s path was not always easy. She vividly remembers the days when persistent headaches forced her to leave school, but she never let those challenges define her future.

With the knowledge she gained in Year 11, Ms Talatoka found the strength to persevere, proving that setbacks are not the end, but a stepping stone toward achieving her dreams.

“After leaving Year 11, I stayed home and then become a single mother at the age of 19,” Ms Talatoka of Vuniqalutu Village in Dreketi, Macuata said.

“It has always been my dream to wear over all at workplace and that’s when I requested my mother to support my education at Pacific Polytech.”

The mother to a two-year-old boy said while studying last year she did her three months of attachment at Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) in Labasa.

Now, she is working at WAF as an apprentice.

“I am an independent and fearless woman who has ambition and nothing can stop me from achieving it,” she said.

“I am thankful to my mother for standing by my side and encouraging me while being a woman that nothing can stop us to make dreams come true.”

The 23-year-old mother is confident that working in a male dominated field of work will never be a challenge.

She was among 58 students to graduate with a National Certificate in Plumbing and Sheetmetal Level at Salvation Army Hall in Labasa.

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