A life of dedication

MP recalls a tough life of struggle to achieve his goals

SERVICE to people is a responsibility that is so worthwhile and fulfilling. It is a source of hope and a message of strength for upcoming generations.

This is a story of a man originally from Tokatoka, Tailevu, who has experienced the trials and tribulations of life and has never let negativity stop him from serving the public and his family.

Penioni Ravunawa, who’s married to Makereta Sotutu, is the father of three children — Usaia, Akuila and Adi Mere. He’s a man of many skills and talent. He is a director of his very own Daily Care Dental clinic.

He’s an Opposition Member of Parliament, president of the Apostles Fellowship International, a Commissioner of Oaths and a Justice of Peace.

He was born and raised in his mother’s village of Burebasaga in Rewa where he attended Burebasaga District School and Vunimono High School. He completed secondary education at Shreedhar Maharaj College.

Mr Ravunawa said growing up was not easy due to the responsibility of looking after his siblings and his mother, but through it all he did not let his situation drag him down.

“I was brought up in a family that struggled and because of that, I had to do small jobs after school to support my mum and myself,” Mr Ravunawa said.

“I had to do all sorts of odd jobs from cutting grass, cleaning compounds and water blasting.

“These were good experiences because I learned some valuable lessons while at the same time earning money to buy my school uniforms and stationeries and finance my school fees.”

Like other young boys, he always had a fascination with buses and dreamt of working in the transport industry to serve the general public.

“When I was little, I was always fascinated with bus drivers, carefully observing the way buses operated, and the way drivers mingled with passengers made me realise at a young age that being a bus driver might be my future career path.”

Mr Ravunawa’s professional career started back in 1992 when he studied dentistry and successfully earned his first certificate as a dental assistant.

In 1998, he completed his certificate for dental hygiene. In 2000, he completed a Diploma in Dental Therapy.

Around 2006, he resigned from the ministry to work with the Fiji School of Medicine, taking up a teaching role.

Shortly after teaching, he began his postgraduate training at the University of Fiji to pursue international relations and diplomacy programs.

“It was in my interest to help with international trade but life had other surprises in store for me as I was approached to be the shadow spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, otherwise my line of work would mainly be something along the lines of international trade,” Mr Ravunawa said.

“While working for the MOH, not only was I doing dentistry but I also contributed to public health work, community work with schools, the prison department, special schools, old people’s homes, Home of Compassion and people whose health had been compromised.”

He said that balancing different responsibilities was not easy, but with the support of his family and God the possibilities were endless and success inevitable.

“Utilise your time well to focus on what you need to concentrate on, and remember that challenges are always present.

“My source of strength is my family and my spiritual relationship with God. That helps get me through every day with a smile on my face,” he said.

After years of service with the Government, Mr Ravunawa decided to start his own dental clinic which has been operational now for three years.

“This clinic is not just managed by me but also by my whole family, with my wife and youngest cheering for me to always do my best. “My son manages the practice and my daughter, who is still studying at the Fiji National University, helps out during her free time,” he said.

Mr Ravunawa’s journey to success should be a reminder that despite your situation, there is always a chance to turn your life around and reach for success.

I had to do all sorts of odd jobs from cutting grass, cleaning compounds and water blasting. These were good experiences because I learned some valuable lessons while at the same time earning money to buy my school uniforms and stationeries and finance my school fees

– Penioni Ravunawa –