ACHIEVEMENT | Dreams in the dark

IN a gold mine, the air is heavy and the rough rock walls often feel as though they are closing in.

This is the reality gold miners face while working in the shadowy depths of the earth, guided only by dim lights and narrow tunnels.

The only brightness illuminating the darkness comes from hanging bulbs and hard-hat lights that guide their path as they work deep underground.

Working in a gold mine is not for the faint-hearted. It demands physical stamina and technical expertise.

Nevertheless, many who choose this profession make daily sacrifices to support their families at home.

For Tevita Lebarua Dagoya, the harsh and dark underground world was not something to fear, but a place where he embraced growth and opportunity.

Tevita hails from Waibasaga Village in Nabobuco, Naitasiri, with maternal links to Waibasaga Village in Wainimala, Naitasiri.

In the gloom of the gold mine, Tevita grew curious about the generators, cables and electricity that kept the dark, narrow tunnels alive.

The mine became the place where Tevita envisioned a brighter future for himself and his family.

Amid the roar of heavy machinery and veins of gold quartz, he nurtured a dream of becoming an electrical engineer.

While others saw it as far-fetched—particularly for someone who did not pass Form 6—Tevita believed his dim world could still make his dream a reality.

Finding employment

Tevita’s journey was far from smooth. He was raised in a poor household.

After failing Form 6, he took on any work available to help his parents and found employment at the Vatukoula Gold Mine in the diamond drill department.

As a young man, he committed himself fully to learning about gold extraction and spent four years working as a miner to support his family.

“Even though I failed Form 6, that didn’t deter me from trying to pursue further studies,” he said.

“When I earned enough, I enrolled into a technical college where I obtained a certificate. While studying, I juggled work, my studies and even started a family of my own.

“It hasn’t been an easy journey, but with God’s guidance and my parents’ support, I’ve been able to push through some tough challenges.”

After working in diamond drilling, Tevita received his first major break when he was offered a position at the company’s powerhouse.

The opportunity aligned perfectly with his dream.

University achievement

After obtaining his certificate from a technical college, Tevita enrolled at the Fiji National University’s College of Engineering.

“Gradually I did my units. The program was for two years, but because my study was intermittent, it took me longer to complete—but that did not stop me.”

He explained that his studies were intermittent because he was juggling work while raising a family.

“Gradually I did my units and I’m beyond happy that I’m able to be part of the graduation team this year.”

Tevita was among the university students who graduated this month, receiving his Certificate in Engineering (Level 3) in front of his wife and two sons.

Finances

Many people dream of a good education, but with limited resources and support, those dreams often fade.

“I worked so I could put myself through university,” he said.

“I knew the struggles at home and I didn’t want to burden my parents, so I worked and paid my own tuition.

“My FNPF was deducted when I started working. When I had enough for my education benefit, I used it to enrol at FNU.

“I made three payments for my studies from my FNPF and the rest was from government assistance.”

Career ladder

Now that Tevita has obtained his Level 3 Certificate, he is eager to apply what he has learned.

Since joining the powerhouse, he has progressed from being an operator to an electrical trade assistant.

Slowly, his dream is becoming a reality—built on sacrifice, determination and perseverance.

He is now able to support his parents, care for his young family, continue working and possibly further his studies next year.

Tevita hopes to continue studying until he achieves the highest qualification in engineering.

“When there is a will, there is a way, and I know God will provide.”

He encourages others to dream big, crediting FNPF for making his dream possible.

Strength of his parents

Tevita’s parents remain the backbone of his family. He looks up to them with deep respect and gratitude.

“I have seen my father, 65, work hard to support us, and I’ve seen my mother, 55, weave mats to put us through school.

“My father was a farmer, so we lived off the land growing up. Seeing your parents work twice as hard is what motivates me to do well in life. Their strength has been a source of inspiration for me.

“I’m indeed grateful for what little my parents brought home—it helped us survive all those years. I look back and I’m grateful for their lives and the humble upbringing we were raised in.

“All I can do now is continue to help and support them in their old age.”

Tevita hopes his story will inspire others who are struggling to pursue a career in engineering.