Vendor Graduates with Honours
“My parents struggled by working as market vendors to pay my fees at the Fiji National University so that I could get a Diploma in Accounting,” Mr Kumar said.
Thursday 25 April 2024 | 15:59
Fiji National University graduate Ashvin Kumar with his mother Kamla Wati, wife Navnita Devi and daughter Nikaantika Kumar. Photo: Shratika Naidu
A Year Three student of Khemendra Central School who used to sell watermelon and pineapple at the Savusavu Bus Stand graduated with a Master in Education degree during the Fiji National University graduation in Labasa yesterday.
Ashvin Ajay Kumar, 34, was among the 134 graduates gathered at the Labasa Civic Centre.
The father of one was in tears when he recalled how he used to sell watermelon and pineapple slices with his parents from Year Three to Year 10 as it was their only source of income.
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He decided to become a teacher while studying at Labasa College and residing at its hostel to complete Year 11 to Y13.
“My parents struggled by working as market vendors to pay my fees at the Fiji National University so that I could get a Diploma in Accounting,” Mr Kumar said.
When he returned to his home in Namaka, Savusavu, he worked at the MH Supermarket as a grocery packer boy.
After a few years of savings, he returned to FNU and graduated with a Diploma in Secondary Education in 2011.
He started teaching at Dawara District School in Cakaudrove while continuing to study.
In 2016, he graduated with a Bachelor in Primary Education and in 2020 with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education.
Even while teaching at Saint Andrew Primary School last year, he continued his studies to get a Master’s degree.
“When I used to sell fruits after school and on Saturdays, I dreamt of becoming a businessman in order to give a better life to my parents,” the younger of two siblings said.
“While staying at the hostel, I missed my parents a lot and decided to become a teacher because I wanted to encourage other students to work hard and earn a living.”
He said life wasn’t easy for him while students were enjoying their playtime and rest while he was out in sun and rain begging people to buy fruits from him.
“Today, I am proud to fill children’s mind with education so that they can become a better citizen of this country,” he said.
“Moreover, I feel accomplished fulfilling my parents’ dream of giving them a better life.
He thanked his parents and his wife, Navnita Devi for their prayers and support.
Feedback: ranobab@fijisun.com.fj
