EARNING an income during this school holiday has become a priority for the children of Batiri in Macuata who sit by the roadside to sell oranges and watermelon.
Yesterday, The Fiji Times team caught up with these children who ran to the roadside when they heard our vehicle approach the junction of Savusavu, Nabouwalu and Labasa.
With bags of lemon in one hand and watermelons on the other, the children waved and yelled out the sweet taste of oranges.
Sepesa Bukatavo is part of the group and he says in a day, they could sell about to 200 small bags of oranges.
“It is good money and people stop to buy, including ferry passengers travelling to Nabouwalu and Savusavu,” Sepesa said.
“They buy from here and take it with them to Viti Levu. We decided to do this because it is making use of our time and earning good money too.
“We have one shed that we use and we are glad that our friends are also here to sell their supply of oranges and melons.”
Parent Ravin Maharaj, who was there with his two sons selling the fruits, said the sale of oranges had been good.
“In a day, we can sell about 200 small bags of oranges and the boys are hardworking and always willing to sell more than what they are given,” he said.
“We believe that our hard work pays off and earning $300 a week or in a few days is good money for us. The oranges are from Batiri and is very tasty and it’s one of a kind.”
A small bag of oranges costs $1.50 and watermelon selling for as low as $1.
