University of the South Pacific graduate Timaima Waqaniburotu has not let the loss of her husband’s job in March this year deter her from making a living for her family.

The mother of three braves the hot western heat to sell fresh vegetables along the Queens Highway in Navo, Nadi, where she has been earning an income for her household.

“I graduated with an Early Childhood Education Diploma in 2017 and since then I had been waiting for a posting or vacancy at an ECE centre,” she said.

“Since then it’s been difficult to find a job, but we were able to live on what my husband was making from his last job.

“Then he was laid off in March this year and so we had to do something so we could survive on and are able to take care of our children.”

The Buliya, Ono, Kadavu villager said a family friend offered the couple a piece of land they could use to plant and harvest vegetables.

“It was difficult at the start because the farm was our only hope, but when we started to harvest and sell the vegetables, things started to improve for us.”

She said business had been improving for the couple who were renting a home in Nadi.

“All it takes is hard work.

“I come and sell at the roadside three days in a week while my husband goes from house to house selling too.

“We each have a target to make at least $50 or $60 a day and with that money, it is more than enough to look after us for the next week.

“We are living off the land and have given up some things, but at the end of the day it is for our  good and for the betterment of our children.”