A new life begins
PINIANA Ditamana is a living example of a woman who never gives up. When faced with adversity, she motivates herself to try out something else, something that will enable her to rise above her problems. Married with two children, Ms Ditamana hails
from the village of Muanaicake, Fulaga in Lau. She resides in Lami Village with her parents.
She previously worked as a kitchen hand and waitress at Southern Cross Hotel in Suva but was laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“After the pandemic I secured a job as a cook at the Castle Restaurant in Lami Town,” she said.
“But that came to an end when the restaurant closed down after the owners, Mr and Mrs Fong passed away (RIP).”
After that, every day was a struggle. As the family’s breadwinner, she could not afford to look after her family.
Now, Ms Ditamana has high hopes that things will change for the better, slowly but surely.
“I work part time in the weekends as a caregiver to cater for my bus fare and other expenses.
“At times it’s hard to cope, especially with the increase in cost of goods – I feel helpless at times but I pray to God and wonder what tomorrow will bring.”
Despite her struggles Ms Ditamana graduated with a certificate in Malaysian cuisine and kueh course (food and pastry course) at the Makoi Women’s Vocational Training Centre on Thursday, October 27.
“I got to know about this centre through a friend of mine and I decided to challenge myself and try it out – I got accepted.
“After joining the centre, I felt like part of my burden had been lifted and I learnt to enjoy life and work harder with whatever little we have at home.”
She said the centre allowed her to meet new friends who faced similar challenges and learn a new skill.
“Working with these women side by side motivated me to become a better person,” Ms Ditamana said.
She learned things during the fourweek training course on Malaysian cuisine and kueh in collaboration with the Malaysian High Commission.
“It made me realise that so much can be done using the resources we have and that there are many ways to cook the local vegetables and root crops we have.”
She thanked the high commissions head chef Elda Lembang for the productive four weeks of training.
“I would really like to thank the management team of the centre for giving me this opportunity. This is where my new life begins - to a brighter future for my family.
“I am ready to tackle all the hardships along the way.”