BORN into poverty and living in a settlement established to house and empower impoverished families, Sylvia Shivangni Ruban is determined to chase her dreams.

She does not know how it will happen, but the 18-year-old has so much faith in her ability to become a dentist that she took a job during the school holidays to save for her first month’s rent for when she “begins” tertiary studies in Suva next year.

The Lautoka Central College student scored more than 300 marks in the Fiji Year 13 examination and has applied for a scholarship under the Toppers and Tertiary Education Loans Scheme.

She lives with her family at Koroipita in the outskirts of Lautoka and “knows by faith” that she will get into the Fiji National University’s medical program to study dentistry.

“I’m not like a lot of other children who have parents or guardians who are working,” she said.

“I had to get a job as soon as I finished school so I could save for my move to Suva.

“I’m praying that I get one of the scholarships so I can begin my studies, get a job and get my family out of poverty.”

Her mother, Dhan Lakshmi, says Shivangni is an independent child who works hard for everything she has achieved so far.

Ms Lakshmi said while her daughter’s determination was something to be admired, Koroipita’s education support program had a lot to do with Shivangni’s success at school.

“We live in Koroipita and life is very hard when you don’t have any support from family members,” Ms Lakshmi said.

“But we thank God that we moved to Koroipita because they have all of these programs that have helped my daughter.”

She said Shivangni enrolled in various youth programs — all of which have had a positive impact on her development.

“There is an internet shop here where she did her projects and there were even computer classes, homework sessions and study sessions which all helped.”