A MOTHER’S SACRIFICE FOR
DAUGHTER PAYS OFF A SECOND TIME
Serafina Diratoga, 48, was in tears as she described the hardships she and her family have been going through to help in her daughter’s education Yesterday, she was at the Chinese Embassy in Suva as her daughter, Arieta Marama Tavele, 26, received a second scholarship in order to do her Masters.
Ms Tavele had received her first scholarship in 2013, to study a Bachelor in International Economics and Trade. She graduated in June. She will now be furthering her studies at the Beijing Institute of Technology.
“My parents were also supporting my daughter while she was growing up. My mother used to sell roti parcels and my daughter used to help,” Ms Diratoga said. “I have been working at a garment factory for the past 10 years now. There were times when things were really tough and I wanted to give up, but my daughter has been my strength.
“Before her graduation this year, she called me and said that she has paid for my return ticket and wanted me to be part of her graduation. Her kind gesture really touched me.
“She did part-time jobs so that she can afford my fare. I am really proud of her and her achievement. As a parent I ensured that my daughter is my first priority.” Ms Tavele was among the 19 Fijians who received scholarships to China yesterday. She hails from Dreketi Village in Wailevu, Savusavu.
“Being raised by a single mother pushed me to do my best. I know the struggles my mother had to go through and I want to repay her,” Ms Tavele said.
“My mother paid my school fees from primary, secondary and tertiary. When I was at USP, I realised that the fees kept increasing. I felt bad for my mother because she had to work extra hard.
“Receiving the first scholarship was a blessing for me. I am going to do my Masters now. I want to pay back my mum for all her struggles.”