Mum, 21, to start tailoring business from her home
A21-year-old who became a parent while still in high school says the qualification from the Makoi Women’s Vocational Training Centre means a better life for her son.
Rajieli Naivakarai, of Namuaimada in the Ra Province, graduated with a Certificate in Tailoring and Sewing after going through the eight-week course.
She is a single mother to a three-year-old child and stays with her uncle in Makoi. “With the look at my son, Jonathan’s eyes, it pierced my heart that I could not provide him with his needs,” she said.
She said life was tough and hard as she thought of how she could raise her child. “I got pregnant at a very young age while attending high school and did not complete my studies. After I gave birth, I came to realise that I have a huge responsibility towards my son,” she said.
Ms Naivakarai said she did not want to rely on her parents which was why she enrolled. “My son means everything to me,” Ms Naivakarai said.
“I was fortunate enough to be accepted and join the tailoring class. Joining the centre motivated me a lot.”
She plans to start her own tailoring business from home.
Since 2015, 1095 women have graduated from the centre.
Also graduating from the same course, was 20-year-old Arieta Ranadi.
The woman from Nasau, Wainibuka, in Tailevu said she enrolled into the course to fulfil her father’s wish.
“My father passed away this year and he used to call me angel,” she said.
“He would be so proud of me today, if he was alive.” Edited by Ranoba Baoa