A SCHOOLGIRL who used to run a club for girls in the villages near her school is now a leader of the oldest women's organisation in the country.
She is the general secretary of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama, Adi Finau Tabakaucoro.
Adi Finau was born in Savusavu and moved to the capital city when she was nine years old.
She clearly remembers her early years in the village and starting her education at the district school.
"It was seven miles away and I used to walk there on a dirt track," she said. "Since it was so far, it was turned into a boarding school.
The children used to go to school on Sunday and return home on Friday.
Although the village did not have a safe water supply or electricity, she never considered it a difficulty.
"It taught me to deal with life and accept whatever comes," she said.
After moving to Suva, Adi Finau attended Draiba Fijian School.
"My father made money from copra and he had enough income to rent a house in Delainavesi and send us to school," she said. "He believed in education."
Later she studied at Adi Cakobau Secondary School where she was exposed to many ideas by her principal and mentor, Ms Charlton.
"I was privileged to have her as principal. She made me attend meetings and exposed me to different things," she said.
After completing secondary education, Adi Finau went to New Zealand to study history at Victoria University.
"When I returned, I was able to relate it to what was happening at home," she said.
Adi Finau became involved in organisations such as the Young Women's Christian Association, Soqosoqo Vakamarama and in community work.
"That began my leaning towards community work and development," she said.
"I think the organisations I became involved with inspired me to be an advocate for women."
Her biggest inspirations are Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Ratu David Toganivalu and Taufa Vakatale.
