Being A Single Mum, Doesn’t Deter Bose From Graduating

Only a single mum would understand the struggles one would have to endure to provide the best for their children.

Maria Bose, 20, of Dreketi, Macuata, believed her only way to successfully provide for her one-year-old son was to join a programme that would help her start her own business.

Ms Bose successfully graduated from the Ministry of Youth and Sports with a Certificate in Tailoring, Screen Printing, Tie and Dye, Hair and Beauty Therapy.

She was among the 32 students who graduated at Naleba in Labasa yesterday.

Her mother, Adi Saurara Moceinaqere, 50, holding Ms Bose’s son Malakai Waqaniboro were emotional and could not hold back her tears.

Ms Bose said: “I dropped out of Year 12 at Dreketi Central College because I lost interest in studying and then attended vocational school for two years. “When I got pregnant last year, my partner left me, but thanks to my parents support I was able to study again.”

The third eldest of six siblings said the training was challenging as she had to stay at the dormitory, a month away from home.

“I have learnt that life is not easy; there will be happy days and sad days,” she said.

“I would like to thank my parents for standing beside me and giving me another chance to make a good life,” she said. “Now I can set up my own business and operate from home.”