15-year-old Fisher trades to help out family

Like many young people during the extended school break, Epeli Saviri has been hard at work to contribute to his family’s income

The 15-year-old has been helping provide some basic necessities for his loved ones and will be using much of the money to pay for his school hostel fees once classes begin again.

“My father and I go out fishing at night and the next day we either sell it or use it for trading,” he said.

Using the Barter for Better Fiji Facebook page, Epeli has been able to trade fish in exchange for groceries or school stationery.

“I am happy with the response I have received from the people. “The only thing which keeps me moving forward is my parents’ motivation and I do not want them to suffer,” he said.

Hailing from Kavewa island, the lad’s parents said they believe that through trading they can get exactly what they want.

He trades smoked fish, nama, yaga, coconuts, sici and kaikoso.