Top honours for Sikoa
IT was an emotional moment for 26-year-old inmate and head boy of Monfort Boys Town Anare Sikoa as the young lad graced the stage to receive his awards on Wednesday.
He was among 43 students of the Veisari, Lami, institution who successfully completed a grade three trade test conducted by the Fiji National University.
Mr Sikoa is a first-time offender and is serving his term — until September 2023 — at the Nasinu Corrections Centre under the Fiji Corrections Service’s Early Release for Education program.
He said he did not expect to receive the top awards for outstanding student and perfect attendance record.
“To have made head boy and received top honours at my school, I am so overwhelmed and thankful to God,” the emotional young man said.
He said despite his past mistakes, he never lost faith in himself and his studies.
“There were many times I wanted to give up, but I always told myself to persevere and pray.
“I made some mistakes in the past, but today I am a changed person with a different outlook of the future and I thank God for bringing me this far over the past two years.
“I was on a different path before I came to Monfort and I want to thank my teachers and the Fiji Corrections Service for giving me the chance to complete my education.”
Mr Sikoa encourages youths to look towards a better life and not crime.
“One message I’d like to give the youth is to never lose hope and have faith.
“You can always change the path that you are on if you work hard and follow the right people who will lead you to the right path.
“There are many places like the Monfort Boys Town where you can get a second chance at life and have a better future for you and your family.”
The students graduated with trades in motor vehicle mechanic, electrician, fitting, machining, building and cabinet making joinery.