Grandmother Tears Up, Emotional Over Her Grandson’s Graduation
Mereoni Likuvecena shed tears of joy as she hugged her grandson Kaveni Donu after he received his National Certificate in Electric Filter Mechanic (Level 1).
On Friday, Mr Donu was one of the 20 inmates who graduated from the Nasinu Vocational Training School.
Ms Likuvecena said it was important for communities and villagers to accept those that had been incarcerated.
“My late husband and I looked after Kaveni since he was a young boy when his mother remarried. I cried when he was incarcerated and to see him become the better version of himself, it was tears of joy,” Ms Likuvecena said.
“To see him graduate today was something I never expected. I know the hardship he has gone through and I know that my grandson is not a bad person. He just needed a little guidance.”
Mr Donu thanked the Fiji Corrections Service for giving him the opportunity.
“I studied until Form 3 and I am glad that I graduated with a Certificate today and this is a new journey for me. A journey that would continue when I am released from prison,” he said.
“Thanks to everyone that came up with the idea for inmates to do this programme and get into their field of study when they are released.”
Chief guest Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau thanked the inmates for their hard work.
“This is your big day no doubt, you know better than anyone here, the endless hours; the days and the months it has taken to get to this point. Today you can proudly stand tall and say that you did a good job,” Mr Koroilavesau said.
“Even though I’m sure that you would have experienced moments of doubt in yourself. Your relentless determination and discipline is what got you here.”