Toppers Scholarship Only Way Out Of Poverty For Laite
She says her family cannot afford to pay for her tertiary education and paying through the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) was not an option.
Friday 12 March 2021 | 10:41
Laite Loloku made sure she qualified for National Toppers Scholarship (NTS) this year because it is the only way to get her family out of poverty.
She is doing her Bachelor in Civil Engineering at the University of the South Pacific (USP).
She hails from Nadrau Village in Nadroga with maternal links to Nabawaqa in Nadroga.
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The 19-year-old was in tears as she described the hardship her parents went through to put her to school.
The former Tavua College student scored 355 out of 400 in her Fiji Year 13 examination certificate last year.
“When my parents realised that I was good in my studies they decided to leave the village in search of better education for me,” Laite said.
“I was in Year Five when we moved to Tavua and I made sure that I didn’t let my parents down.”
Laite said the challenges she faced while growing up had motivated her to work hard.
“Growing up, I knew that my parents could not support me financially once I reach tertiary education, so I worked hard,” she said.
“My dad is a farmer and is the sole breadwinner for our family,” she said.
“When things get tough; I think of my parents and that keeps me going because I know how hard they worked to put food on the table.”
She thanked the Government for the free education initiative which helped her through Primary and Secondary school.
“My family and I did not have the financial ability to study privately and paying my studies through Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) was not an option,” Laite said.
“Now that I am at USP (University of the South Pacific), graduating and passing all my units is my aim because I want to give my parents a better life.
“We used to rent, and my older brother used to pay, but he was injured so he stopped working. Thanks to one of our family friends in Tavua who allowed us to stay in a one-bedroom flat for free.
“We converted the sitting room into another room and my dad builds a shed outside the house so we could use it as a kitchen.
“I am grateful that I have been awarded this scholarship because this was the only way out of poverty for my family.
Laite’s advice to youngsters is that: “Education should always be your top priority. Work hard so that what your parents cannot give you; you will be able to give your children.
“Work hard so that your parents’ effort is never wasted because every parent’s dream is for their children to have a better life.”
Feedback: wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj
