Loki ready for teacher’s role
As one of the first recipients of the Tailevu Provincial Council’s scholarships in 2019, Serupepeli Loki is now realising his dream of becoming a teacher. This comes after almost eight years since finishing high school, working odd jobs and farming in the village.
In January this year, the 30 yearold father of three graduated with his Bachelor of Education (Primary) English and Fijian from the Fiji National University in Lautoka. Thanks to the scholarship, the Naimalavau, Nakelo, Tailevu native was given a second chance to complete his education.
“I finished high school in 2009 as a year 13 student in Vunimono High School,” he said.
“Because there were eight of us siblings and we were facing a lot of financial difficulties I thought to look for work to support my parents after high school as I was the second eldest in the family,” he said. “I was a security officer earning some $1.70 an hour. After that I got married in 2013 and had a daughter, I continued working some small jobs.”
He said the dream of becoming a teacher had never gone away from him.
“In 2017, when I was working as a security my father kept telling me to go back to university which I did. “In 2018, I was in Lautoka studying to become a teacher. The first three semesters were a real struggle for me because my dad was selling his produce at the market to pay for my fees and we had to hold fundraisings to pay for my fees.
“It wasn’t until I found about the scholarship which I applied for until I got it.
“The scholarship funded my education until I graduated from the University with my Degree in January this year.”
Mr Loki now has two children and is awaiting his posting by the Ministry of Education.
“Since the scholarship started in 2019 I have become the first recipient to have completed my studies and graduated.”
He thanked the Provincial Council for their support and their vision in ensuring the youths of Tailevu are not left out in receiving quality education.