Age no barrier to start anew
Wacau hopes her new-found skills will bring good fortune.
Age should not be a barrier to start afresh in life, says Naleba Youth Training Centre graduate Selai Wacau.
The 35-year-old graduated on Friday with a certificate in screen printing, tie and die, sewing and hair and beauty therapy programme. She is one of 18 people who passed the six weeks programme, which was organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
“It’s never too late to learn and if you are determined, you can do it,” said Ms Wacau.
“Never give up and it’s never too late to study. I didn’t know about the programme until my husband told me about it. I have always wanted to do something with my life and this was the opportunity I was waiting for.”
Ms Wacau, who aspires to start her own sewing business, said the initiative by Government in providing students with technical skills and training was helpful. Ms Wacau is from Ra, but was brought up in Bua. She is married and lives in Vaturekuka, Labasa. She is currently unemployed and is hopeful that the training would give her a career boost.
She also had sewn a number of dresses for other women who graduated with her on Friday.
Mere Ratukonadi, Senior Co-ordinator at the training centre, said young women would get more opportunities in the engagement and participation in community development.
A similar training at the same venue is expected to start at the end of this month. “We have had so many requests for more trainings and are happy that women are showing a lot of interest,” Ms Ratukonadi said. Edited by Naisa Koroi