Induction surprises student leaders
Fortunes have changed for the better for Tomasi Takiveikata, 19, who lost his mother one week before the 2022 Fiji Year 12 Certificate Examination.
Last Friday, he was inducted as the head boy of Nadogo Central College in Macuata, Vanua Levu. Surprised to receive the badge, Tomasi dedicated the achievement to his late mother and adopted parents.
“My parents were separated while I was in my mother’s womb and after a few months of birth in this world my aunty and uncle adopted me,” Tomasi said.
“My ambition was to become a soldier and buy a car for my late mother who hails from Bualomani Village in Bua Province.”
Despite the struggles, he thanked all adopted parents, relatives from his maternal side, as well as friends for providing him moral support. “Now that I’m head boy of the school, I will fulfil my responsibilities with the help from teachers and fellow prefects,” he said. “I believe in service above self so I will serve my colleagues with love so that there is always unity in the school.”
Head girl Dilitia Tinaikawai, of Wainigadru Village, Cakaudrove, was also surprised to be inducted as head student.
“For five years, I was living with my uncle in Nadi attending Swami Vivekananda College until last year I returned to my village to attend
Nadogo Central College,” she said. “It was an unfortunate incident as my uncle who worked as the flight attendant lost his job during COVID-19.”
Her father is a yaqona farmer while mother weaves mats, occasionally for sale at the market. “I am thankful to the teachers for having faith in me,” the second of three siblings said.
“Whether we study in rural or urban schools, the education system is the same. What matters is getting the right education.”
The 18-year-old aspires to become a doctor. She advised the students not to be disheartened over names of schools they are attending.