Family Plans Celebration for Matua Programme Dux

SThere were more than 500 enrollments last year but could only cater for 150 students due to COVID-19.

he might be at sea sailing to Suva, but her family is already planning a celebration for the Matua Programme Year 13 top scorer.

Ruth Ledua, 33, graduated from the Matua Programme with the dux and top scorer award.

She scored 326 marks out of 400. She is on her way to Suva with her husband and three children after spending the festive season in her village of Udu, Kabara Island in Lau Province.

They were expected to arrive in Suva this Saturday.

The Year 13 student studied under the Matua Programme – an initiative for people who have been out of the education system for so long, to complete their secondary education, for better life opportunities.

Her father, Cabealawa Silivale, 76, was emotional when relayed the news yesterday.

He was already proud of her becoming the dux of the school and was much prouder when she topped her class.

“We can’t wait to break the news to her and celebrate,” he said. “When she told us that she was back in school, we were so proud. We made sure we supported her education.”

The programme belongs to Nabua Secondary School.

School principal, Amita Raju, said Ms Ledua was a role model to students who should know there was a second chance to education. “She wants to become a mathematics teacher and wants to even teach her own children mathematics,” she said.

Her English teacher, Rajnesh Lingam, could still remember a Saturday where Ms Ledua had to bring her children to school.

“She was one of our most hardworking students,” she said. “She’s got a supportive husband and family to push her forward.”

Matua Programme

According to Ms Raju, there were more than 500 enrollments last year but could only cater for 150 students because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms Raju said this year they were going to take in all enrollments.

Ms Raju said every teacher was proud to see such a programme bring a smile to the face of people.

The oldest student in the programme last year was a 44-yearold man. They had a 100 per cent pass rate in English and 65 per cent overall.

Ms Raju said teachers did not get paid for their extra effort last year.

“Come for the Matua programme and get your education. You will have challenges but you have to sacrifice,” she said.

Photo: Leon Lord Parents of Matua Programme dux and top scorer, Ruth Ledua: (From left) Cabelawa Silivale (father) Naina Sakoto (mother) and her twin son’s Jerome Waqalala and Philemon Vosaki at their home in Tacirua on January 20, 2023.