SABETO FAMILY PROMOTES UNITY, EDUCATION
Afamily unit of Sabeto Village in Nadi got together over the Christmas and New Year break to promote unity and begin what is a first time venture for them.
The Lewadudu family, who belong to the Tokatoka Bulu, met on Christmas day and began an education fund to help young people who want to pursue higher education in tertiary institutions. Family spokesperson Pauliasi Nateba said that the family decided it was time to do this so they could begin investment for their current and future generations. “With the way the world is changing and how technology is evolving we decided it was time for us to make a worthy investment and not just wait to address the need when the time arrives,” Mr Nateba said.
The family has 11 siblings of which 10 remain after the passing away of the eldest child.
“Our parents have done their bit. They have done the hard yards and necessary sacrifices along the way,” he said.
“The younger generation decided it was time to change the way they do things hence the education fund.”
The family members are descendants of a Methodist Church missionary Aisea Naseakai who accompanied, Reverend Thomas Baker, the methodist minister who came to Fiji to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Mr Naseakai was with Reverend Baker on the day he was slain. When Fiji Sun News visited the family on New Year’s Eve, the place was a hive of activity and festivities were just beginning with everyone in their designated ‘kalavata’. “We had a church service here because we have a huge family. This is also a way to strengthen family ties and relationship because we hardly meet. It’s only at Christmas and other special events that we see each other,” Mr Nateba said “At the church service our elder requested everyone to show love to each other, support one another and to work hard, but above all to love and serve God with all our hearts. He encouraged all parents and school children to give their best to education.”
Mr Nateba said the family had also produced several sportsmen who have donned the national colours.
These include William Saukuru who played in the 7s and the Fiji 15 team, Savenaca Saukuru for rugby league, Timoci Vu for the Fiji Bati team, and recently Etonia Saukuru who plays rugby for the Keris-Conlay team in Malaysia. Laughter, jokes and merrymaking signalled the approach of the New Year as the family enjoyed each other’s company.