For Reapi Adidrau Tabuaniviti, the quiet hours between 10pm and 4am became her sanctuary of study.
A married mother from Qoma Island, she would begin her schoolwork only after a long commute, household duties, and putting her young son to bed.
Last year, that extraordinary dedication was crowned with an exceptional achievement; she was named the 2025 Dux of the Nabua Secondary School’s Matua Programme.
“I am not going to lie, I cried when my name was announced,” Ms Tabuaniviti said.
“Those tears were because I knew how much I had sacrificed.”
Her journey to academic excellence was paved with significant challenges.
After learning about the Matua Programme, a government initiative offering a second chance at education to early school leavers from a friend and Facebook, she enrolled in 2024 with the support of its coordinator.
Yet, balancing the roles of wife, mother, and student tested her limits.
“Our classes ended around 8.30pm. After travelling from Suva back to Nausori, I’d reach home about 9.30pm,” she explained.
“Sometimes I would not even have dinner. I would start studying around 9.30pm or 10pm and continue until 4am, because that was the quietest time.”
Financial pressure added to the strain.
With her husband working as a farmer and a child to support, even bus fare was a struggle.
Ms Tabuaniviti started a small business from their village home to cover costs, demonstrating a resilience that defied expectation.
“As a mother, I did not want to depend on others for support,” she said.
Her husband, she acknowledges, was her greatest pillar, despite the occasional “growl” over her late-night studying.
“I had to make many sacrifices, but I stayed focused.”
That focus has now opened a new chapter.
Following her outstanding results, Ms Tabuaniviti has been accepted into the University of the South Pacific to pursue a Bachelor of Education.
She aims to become a secondary school teacher specialising in English and Literature.
Her inspiration, she said, comes from her faith and her church pastor, Reverend Epeli Ratabacaca.
“I want to share the Word of God, and I believe language should never be a barrier. Wherever God leads me, I am willing to go.”
To other young mothers who believe their dreams are over, Ms Tabuaniviti offered firm encouragement.
“Having children or starting a family does not mean the end of your future. You can overcome the barriers.”
She praised the Matua Programme as a vital opportunity and source of empowerment.
“The teachers are very friendly. They are not just teachers; they are like parents. They supported us, guided us and stayed with us through the journey.”
She encouraged those like her to not feel that dropping out is the end, as through the Matua Programme, they can return to school and achieve their dreams.
