Fiji Sun

Aspiring Doctor Thanks Grandpa

- MERE SATAKALA SUVA

When Losalini Rabuku was awarded third place in a chemistry awards category yesterday, you could tell it was a moment she’d cherish for a long time. Losalini was one of the winners in the annual Chemical Society of the South Pacific (CSSP) awards held at the University of the South Pacific Laucala Campus. The Year 11 student of Saraswati College came from humble beginnings, having been raised by her paternal grandparen­ts when her parents divorced at a young age.

Losalini took third prize for top scorer in the Central Division for the intermedia­te category. The winner for this category in the Central Division was Asenaca Likutokala­u of Ballantine Memorial School. In second place was Sweteshna Kumar of Mahatma Ghandi Memorial School.

Losalini, from Tailevu, was overwhelme­d with the award, knowing that this feather in her academic achievemen­ts would augur well for her aspiration­s of becoming a doctor.

“It’s the first time I’ve taken part and I won. I’m really happy,” she said. She acknowledg­ed her grandfathe­r for inspiring to study hard so that one day she’d become a doctor.

At the end of the function, Wame Ratunacagi­levu was beaming from ear to ear when he took Losalini in his arms. Mr Ratunacagi­levu and his wife, Naomi, raised Losalini. They had never thought otherwise of the day they took responsibi­lity of her. “We are so proud of her and we just thank God for bringing her this far.” Permanent Secretary for

 ?? Photo: Mere Satakala ?? Sitting from left: Chemical Society of the South Pacific president Francis Mani, University of the South Pacific Dean of Faculty of Science,Technology and Environmen­t Associate Professor Anjeela Jokhan, Permanent Secretary for Education Iowane Tiko and...
Photo: Mere Satakala Sitting from left: Chemical Society of the South Pacific president Francis Mani, University of the South Pacific Dean of Faculty of Science,Technology and Environmen­t Associate Professor Anjeela Jokhan, Permanent Secretary for Education Iowane Tiko and...
 ?? Photo: Mere Satakala ?? Losalini Rabuku (middle), with her grandparen­ts Wame Ratunacagi­levu (left), and Naomi Raqauqau at USP Laucala Campus in Suva yesterday.
Photo: Mere Satakala Losalini Rabuku (middle), with her grandparen­ts Wame Ratunacagi­levu (left), and Naomi Raqauqau at USP Laucala Campus in Suva yesterday.

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