Strength of a woman

YOU just have to keep practising to become perfect, says Aliti Rabuatava Vulivalu.

The 18-year-old from Delainavesi in Lami is doing a Certificate in Carpentry Level III course at Pacific Polytech in Nausori.

Raised by a single mum and maternal grandparents, Ms Vulivalu’s aim is to work hard to improve her family’s living standard.

“This is a six-month course,” she said.

“I took this up because I’ve had an interest in carpentry and I’d like to learn the skills which men have.

“Everyone says that this is a man’s job, but I don’t agree with them. Even though there are mostly men in construction, it doesn’t mean that women cannot do it.”

Ms Vulivalu said women have to learn those skills and without any problem, they’ll be able to do it, adding they’ve proven it in other sectors, even beating men in male-dominated fields.

“I’ve always been interested in trying new things, that’s why I decided to do this course,” she added.

Ms Vulivalu said she’s been doing female work at home all her life but now she wants to learn the skills that men have.

“Coming to this school was not my plan, it’s God’s plan,” she said.

“It’s not hard to learn carpentry. We have well trained teachers who are guiding us and teaching us the skills.

“It’s just that we need to have an interest to learn. Apart from theory, they are giving us practical training as well.”

Ms Vulivalu is gaining newfound skills step by step along the way and she loves every bit of it.

“If we don’t know anything, we just ask them, and they are always there to help us.”

After completing her sixmonth course, Ms Vulivalu would like to join the construction industry and gain more experience from there.

“After gaining good experience, I want to work overseas to improve the living standard of my family,” she said.

“I’ve been raised by my single mother and grandparents, and I have seen their struggles. I am their only child and hope.

“I just want to work hard and help them to improve their standard of living, and this will only be possible if I get a chance to work overseas.”

Ms Vulivalu’s message to young girls setting out on their life journey is to be what you are and keep trying new things, even though you’re not good at it.

“Practice will make you perfect,” she added.

Picture: RAKESH KUMAR Pacific Polytech students Aliti Rabuatava Vulivalu (third from left) and Verenaisi Navoliwa with their teachers at the Vuci, Nausori campus.

Picture: RAKESH KUMAR Pacific Polytech students Aliti Rabuatava Vulivalu, left, and Verenaisi Navoliwa attempt their practical work at the Vuci Rd campus.