COMMUNITY BRIGHTENS DASLYN’S DIWALI
Diwali is all about giving and reaching out to people who need care and support.
This is how the Vesida Housing Assistance Relief Trust (HART) community celebrates this colourful event every year.
A HART resident for the past eight years, Daslyn Lal, 41, makes sweets for members of the community every Diwali to create feelings of friendship and as an appreciation for their support when her family faces hardship.
“I don’t celebrate Diwali in a fashionable way, but other women and I always make sweets for the HART community,” she said. “The festival of lights is not only about lightingup Diyas. What matters most is to keep your heart clean and help others not only during Diwali, but every day.” She also believes that staying in a HART home is safe for single mothers who are pursuing their child’s education.
“All the struggles I have been through in my life is masked by the encouragement my community members give me. And Diwali is one of the occasions I look forward to, to celebrate happiness with them,” she said.
The mother of two boys said she decided to stay in the HART community for the sake of her children.
“For two months, I did no work since my younger son had issues; so I have to look after him more often,” Ms Lal said.
“I run a small canteen from home in order to fulfil my children’s needs and to pay the rent.”
She said Diwali was for all Fijians to celebrate in unity because everybody goes through problems, however support for each other could bring happiness to those who have lost everything in life.