40 Fijians Graduate from Catterick Infantry Centre in UK
Fijian men who graduated from the Infantry Training Centre Catterick (ITCC) in the United Kingdom could only wish they had their families over to celebrate and witness their hard work and sacrifices come to fruition.
Out of the 190 that graduated from the recruitment training centre last Thursday, 40 men were Fijians. These Fijians left Fiji a little over a year ago not knowing what fate had in-store for them in the United Kingdom.
The recruits completed their six months basic and initial trade training from the Centre and were assigned to their new battalions last week.
Timoci Tubuilagi
Among the 40 Fijians was former school teacher, Timoci Tubuilagi. Mr Tubuilagi, 33, was a school teacher for eight years prior to heading to the United Kingdom. The Nubuyanitu, Noikoro, Navosa native said, it was the never ending prayers of his family that kept him going through the course of his training.
“At times it would get very tough, we would not have enough time to rest or sleep,” Mr Mataitoga said. “It got even tougher when it gets cold and the snow started falling here in the UK, we weren’t used to such weather and climatic patterns but we had to endure through it all,” he said.
“I reminded myself I was here for a reason and that I was not going to leave this place without achieving what I came here to achieve. “I thank God for his provisions and plans. Today is a proud moment and I dedicate the achievement to all my families back home.”
Koto Tuilevuka
For 22-year-old Koto Tuilevuka, he only wished he had his parents and grandparents witness the grand occasion.
The young man from Sinuvaca in Koro, Lomaiviti said many times he would really miss home together with the love and comfort he was usually pampered with when surrounded by family.
“When things got tough I would think of my parents and my siblings, but I had to remind myself
that I was doing all this for them, to make them proud,” Mr Tuilevuka said.
“I am grateful that when things got tough, my Fijian brothers also in the training would always encourage me and everyone else giving us the courage to move on.” Mr Tuilevuka had also passed out from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces in 2018 and was a member of the territorial force.
“We were supposed to pass out in August but due to COVID-19 we had to postpone it till last Thursday. I thank my family for their prayers and especially my family in the UK for always being there supporting us while we are here.”
I am grateful that when things got tough, my Fijian brothers also in the training would always encourage me and everyone else giving us the courage to move on. Koto Tuilevuka Infantry Training Centre Catterick graduate