The heart to teach
FOR I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” this bible verse echoed in Eremasi Gabriel’s ear as he saw his life make unexpected turns.
Eremasi’s journey to teaching began earlier on in life. Originally from Naitasiri, the desire to teach resonated deeply within the 28-year-old.
In class five, he would watch his teacher teach and was fascinated with her poise while conducting classes.
He completed primary at Vatuwaqa Primary School and went on to attend Laucala Bay Secondary school.
“After Class 8, I attended Laucala Bay Secondary School until Year 12. I took science studying biology, chemistry, and agriculture,” Eremasi explained.
Then he decided to complete Year 13 at Cathedral High School (now known as Sacred Heart College).
When it was time for university, Eremasi could not enter teaching college since his math mark did not meet the requirement forcing him to take summer classes in December.
“I took up the summer class because this was the only way for me. Through his parents’ support, Eremasi was able to pay for summer classes and passed well.
Recognising his potential in the field of agriculture, he detoured and studied agriculture at Koronivia under the Fiji National University in 2017.
He would wake up at 5am to prepare his lunch before catching the 6:30am bus that took him directly to Koronivia from Vatuwaqa.
Encountering many challenges, he was convinced that this was the only way for him.
“In university you are no longer spoon fed, what you learn and when to study is entirely up to you.
To gain experience, he worked at the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Ways in 2019 and learned valuable skills in agriculture.
“Upon completing the 6-month work experience, I extended my contract working as a paid volunteer for the ministry.
Accustoming himself to the rigorous demands of school, his diligence and determination earned him a bachelor’s degree of Science in Agriculture.
COVID struck in 2020 and he received his degree online due to strict restrictions, but continued working as a volunteer.
“I continued working as a volunteer, but then I wasn’t getting paid anymore and my co-workers would take me out for lunch, help with my bus fare and give me what they can.
Desperate for a job, Eremasi began applying to vacancies that were available at that time, ranging from examination supervisor to being a store man at the Taveuni agricultural research station.
He qualified and was chosen for the job. After a month he returned home to enjoy Christmas and received a call for a job test by the Ministry of Education, when he applied as an assistant teacher.
Without any knowledge of the education system and being a straight degree student, he instantly knew that he failed the test after completing it.
He went back to Taveuni and proceeded with work until he received a call that would change the course of his life forever.
The news caught him by surprise when he was told that he passed the job test and was one of the prospects to take the job. Delighted by the news, he was hesitant to continue as it dawned on him that he did not know anything about teaching.
“I was not well-versed with teaching as I didn’t complete any education units. The woman whom I spoke to advised me to take a one-year course on an education program under FNU.
On the afternoon of receiving the news, he reached out to his parents for their guidance to help him come to a decision.
His mother, who initially opposed the idea of teaching, soon came around as his father gave him the permission to return home and learn.
“When I returned home, I received my final paycheck from Taveuni and I told myself this is it, I’ll need to find a way for myself now.
Eremasi’s brother offered to pay for his fees in school which he completed attaining his certificate in teaching, attaching at Sacred Heart College and Draiba Primary School.
Then towards the end of 2023 he received an email notifying him of his transfer to another school.
Ecstatic and over the moon, Eremasi was convinced that this was the change that he craved for.
He received the address of the school at Robinson Rd and was not familiar with the school’s name. Searching online hoping to get a clue, he was left unanswered and knew that the only way to find out was on the day of his introduction.
Following the address given to him, he discovered that it was completely wrong and had to go back to Brown St where his new school is really located.
Passing by the houses filled with enthusiasm, Eremasi just could not wait to meet his students and new school.
As the taxidriver stopped, the sign caught the eye of Eremasi ‘Fiji Vocational Training Center for Persons with Disability’.
His heart sank and his voice was caught in his throat thinking ‘could this be another mistake’, nervous for what was to come, he walked in quietly to the admin office.
The head of the school, whom he described as warm and cheerful, took him for a tour around the school.
“After greeting each other, the head of school took me for a tour during recess which was my opportunity to see the students. I saw some students walking with a walking stick and some doing hand movements which I assumed was sign language.
Eremasi stood in the school corridors in disbelief and a million thoughts running through his mind all at once, he needed to go home.
“I asked to start my work tomorrow because I wanted to gather myself and understand the gravity of the situation, I was caught in.”
Wearing his best sulu and shirt, neatly brushed hair and freshly polished sandals, teacher Eremasi was ready for the challenge.
“As soon as I woke up, I just prayed continuously until it was time for me to leave.”
His prayer of guidance opened his perspective and enabled him to finish his first day of teaching.
“I had six students in my class, all with unique needs. I was told by teachers how to react, what to teach and when to adjust my syllabus according to the needs of the students.
With a challenge so big towering over him, Eremasi knew he had a purpose to fulfil in that centre.
He wrote to the Ministry of Education regarding lessons that were tailored specifically to the different needs of his students only to find out that they must follow the curriculum of students in mainstream schools.
Understanding the motive behind it, he decided to integrate creative ways to teach his students, conducting classes outdoors where both he and his students’ plant.
“I believe my students learn through visual learning; we name the tools that we use and as we plant, we discuss their various functions.
“In my class their age ranges from 17 to 26. It’s a challenge teaching them, when I mention tools, I must repeat it five more times so that they may remember.
“Sometimes it can be frustrating, but you should have peace within you because they can tell when you’re agitated, and it scares them from learning.”
Eremasi conducts classes before recess, then after the break he hands out test papers to see what they have learned.
“After recess I test them usually by just matching the diagrams of the tools and their names, best believe my students still match wrongly,” he said as he laughs with joy.
“Their handwriting is sometimes illegible, but I know them enough to know what their intentions are. I write it down nicely and put a tick, you should see the smile on their faces when they see it’s correct.”
The hardworking teacher mentioned that his students are extremely gifted outside of the classroom, they enjoy singing and listening to music while they work.
“The centre is like a haven for most students since it is the only place, they feel accepted in and are not treated differently.”
Now, Eremasi is excited for the new academic year as he feels he has new strategies and approach to teaching.
Eremasi’s life has been full of surprises, he has found a way to do both what he loves, his dreams truly crystallising.