Hard work, prayer pay off for Balawa
THROUGH hard work and prayer, anything is possible.
These were the words that occupied 18-year-old Lario Balawa’s mind as he was awarded the Monfort Boys Town school dux on Wednesday. He was among 43 students who successfully underwent a grade three trade test conducted by the Fiji National University.
Having left school when he was a Year 11 student at St Vincent College, he said his past did not deter him from pursuing further education.
“Due to some circumstances I had to leave school when I was in form five,” he said.
“I came back to school determined and even though it has been a long two years — my struggles
NARAIN’S EXPERIENCE
• Educa onalist
• Agriculturalist
• Agricultural Economist
• Member of Parliament
• Soldier
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• 15 years
5 years
15 years
1 year Trained in Australia Trade Unionist : 6 years
Jus ce of Peace : 1999 + Social Worker : 24 years Beaten on the streets of Suva during the 1987 coup
Held hostage for 55 days during 2000 coup : : : : :
In addi on to promises made in our Manifesto, Unity Fiji will :
• Extend free educa on to the ter ary level.
• Review controversial “Open Taxi Rank System”.
Establish a commission to review public service pay structure and terms of employment.
Establish a Peace and Reconcilia on commission.
Review the Electoral and Poli cal par es laws.
Reform FICAC to be poli cally independent. Heal wounds of the past.
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• have paid off.”
He said he did not expect to be the school dux and dedicated the award to the two role models in his life.
“I am shocked and speechless because I did not expect to receive this award. I want to thank my parents for their hard work and love.
“They always encouraged me to work hard so today (Wednesday) I dedicate my award to them for raising me and guiding me.”
He encourages youths not to give up when they are being faced with difficulties in life.
“Work hard, pray and have faith in yourself is all you need.”