From bus driver to seaman
He said he never thought he would achieve this dream after Year 12. He said he had always dreamt of joining the navy, but thought it would never happen.
It’s never too late to achieve your dream, says Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Naval Division ordinary seaman Nakuaivalu Tuwai.
Mr Tuwai, 25, was one of 116 naval personnel who graduated from the RFMF Naval Division 12-week basic recruitment course at the Forces Training Group in Nasinu on Friday.
Originally from Kabara in Lau, Mr Tuwai was a bus driver for a Suva bus company last year before the opportunity to join the Fiji Navy arrived.
The father of four children said the allowance he had received during training was used to pay for the necessities at home.
“I am the only breadwinner for the family. Every job opportunity comes knocking at my door, I would take it. At one time, I was working for a construction company,” he said.
“It was my job to ensure that there was food on the table and bills were being paid on time. It was a struggle as I only received a wage of $250.
“During the coronavirus pandemic, when there was no job available. So, I applied for a bus permit with the Land Transport Authority and my application was successful.
“I was driving for the company for over eight months when I had received a message that the recruitment for the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division was open.”
He said he never thought he would achieve this dream after Year 12.
He said he had always dreamt of joining the navy, but thought it would never happen.
“I started to lose faith in myself,” he said.
“But, I guess God’s timing is the best.
“I would never have been where I am today without the support of my father-in-law, wife, close family and children.”
His wife Jimaima Tuwai said her husband applied three times to join the Fijian Navy.
Mrs Tuwai said his application was unsuccessful as some information and documents were missing.
“It was my father’s friend that had advised him that the recruitment of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division was open,” she said.
“After three times of applying, we saw his name in the newspaper. We jumped in joy and said a prayer to thank the Lord Almighty.
“Only we know the struggle that he had to put through to provide for the family as he is the only breadwinner.”