Don’t let age compromise goal, Graduate advises
Never let age compromise your goals. That’s the advice from Varanisese Likucali who graduated with a Culinary Certificate from the
Fiji Muslim League’s Makoi Women’s Vocational Training Centre on Thursday.
The 41-year-old hails from Naqali Village in Naitasiri and is married with five children.
She thanked the Fiji Muslim League for thinking of the needs of women like her.
“Raising five children is a challenge of my daily life. My husband is a taxi driver with not much income. Life is hard for us and sometimes
I cannot cope,” Ms Likucali said. “I even lose hope that this was the life God has in store for me. I cried and wonder what tomorrow will bring and prayed that God should show me a way.
“I always feel that I am not doing my part in providing for my children. With the look in their eyes, it pieced my heart that I cannot provide for their needs and wants.
“I felt helpless and always worried. I tried my best to help my husband with what income I could save from working at a part time job, but it still wasn’t enough to cater for my family.”
And when the opportunity to learn something new came, she took in the hope of making good for her family.
Ms Likucali said with the Certificate she would be able to fulfil the needs and wants of her children.
“I came to learn about this institution and I challenged myself to try it out,” she said.
“I would wake up early every morning to do all my chores, prepare breakfast for my family and come for classes.
“I met new friends with different challenges we all faced, and it motivated me to be a better person. “I learned so many new things and even made me realise that so many things lying around at home that can be resourceful. “This is where my new life begins to a new future for my family. Leaving here with all the good memories and I am ready for all the hardship that will come my way.”
The Fiji Muslim League opened its Makoi Women’s Vocational Training Centre to help Fijian women become independent, have respectful living and earn for themselves.
The centre helps women who may have been victims of abuse, single parents women and those who are facing hard times.
It was opened on September 15, 2015 and has seen 12 groups successfully complete the courses.