Widow works hard to earn
After losing her husband and suffering a mild stroke, Sereana Tuisau Qoro never gave up on life.
Ms Qoro, from Viseisei Village in Vuda, Lautoka, is a familiar face to those who frequent First Landing Resort Fiji in Vuda for the past year.
Her big bula smile is what attracts people to her little corner while selling her handmade jewellery and handicraft.
This is her only source of income to fend for herself and her family. She was a housekeeping attendant before deciding to start her own business.
“I worked in the housekeeping department at the Sheraton Fiji Resort for a long time, but when I got married, I stopped working and went on to sugarcane farming in 2007, that same year my husband passed away,” Ms Qoro said.
“Six years later I had a mild stroke, but that did not stop me from going out on the field. I don’t want to depend on my family or others financially, I want to do things on my own knowing that whatever I buy is from my own sweat and hard work.”
She said when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she wasn’t disheartened nor was she worried because her faith kept her firm.
“I am a widow and have no children, so I am happy to come and sell jewellery and handicraft. The money I earn from selling this is enough for me.
“I believe that women have the potential to do anything. Look at me, I had a mild stroke, but I am here working trying to earn an income.”
I believe that women have the potential to do anything. Look at me, I had a mild stroke, but I am here working trying to earn an income. Sereana Tuisau Qoro Vendor