The richness of village life seems to always outweigh the glitz and glamour of city life for many young people who get the opportunity to experience it.
Returning to the city can be heart-wrenching, especially when the fun in the village is still at its peak.
For cousins Josifini Tadu Elma Naleba, George Balolo Lee and Pita Naleba Lee, having to spend quality time with family at Makadru (grandmother’s village) in Matuku, Lau was indelible.
For Naleba who hails from Toki Village in Nakorotubu, Ra, going to Makadru wasn’t her first rodeo.
“I’ve been going to Matuku every year since I was nine and it’s always fun,” she said.
“We left Suva on the second week of December. I went with my older brother and grandparents.”
The 11-year-old said she has learned a lot during the holidays.
“I now know where to pick nama (sea grapes) from – there is a good spot out at sea,” she said.
“I’ve tasted raw vasua, its yummy and I’ve spent the nights going out with my cousins to catch lairo (land crabs). These are some of the things I’ve experienced for the first time during this trip.”
One thing she cherished the most from her trip is being able to live in an extended family and share everything with each other, especially seeing her grandmothers and aunties cook for them daily.
“Whatever we have, we shared it.”
She said that taught her to value the importance of sharing and loving everyone.
For brothers, George Balolo Lee and Pita Naleba it was simply just having fun.
“We had so much fun with our cousins,” they said.
“We learned to catch lairo and fish with our uncles and grandfathers. We also went pig hunting.
“During this trip we have learned to love our family and appreciate nature and what it provides us daily.”
The children after spending a few weeks in the village returned to Suva last week with beautiful memories to share.
Their short island experience will be something they will cherish for the rest of their lives.
