14-year-old graduates in plumbing services

Fourteen-year-old Viliame Kebanivalu was all smiles as he received his certificate during Fiji National University Sustainable Livelihood Training Programme graduation on Friday at Saqani, Cakaudrove.

The Yasawa, Saqani, lad was one of the youngest participants at the two weeks training at Navetau Village, which also hosted the graduation.

“It has always been my dream to one day become involved in the engineering sector and I consider this my starting point,” Viliame said. “I am currently in Year Eight at Vanuavou District School, in Vaturova and when I heard of the training, I thought to come here and take up this course which I now have a certificate in.

“It was my father who had encouraged me to do so and I am glad I came.”

He said the skill he picked up along with his parents graduating in other fields would be a bonus at home. Viliame’s mother Makarita Kotomaitavala Tubale graduated in cookery, and father, Apisai Tubale, graduated in carpentry.

Ms Tubale said the training would come in handy when preparing meals.

“I graduated with a certificate in cookery, which would help widen my knowledge in the culinary art and this would be very useful for me at home.”

Mr Tubale said the availability of the course for people living in rural areas was a big incentive for villagers to improve their lifestyles.

“I am so very happy that services as such have been decentralised. And for this I had urged my son and my wife for us to attend,” he said. “We are so very thankful.” Mr Tubale graduated with a certificate in joinery and coffin making.

There were a total of 194 students that graduated from 14 different courses offered.