THE book “Journey into the Unknown through Faith” by Sakiusa Tubuna (Senior) is a must read.
From sharing his hardship of being raised single-handedly by a strong God-fearing mother to rising through the ranks of education, the book will inspire many.
At 82, Mr Tubuna, still sharp-witted, was able to complete his autobiography.
The book highlights his struggles, grit, love, hard work, family, education, work and most importantly his faith in God.
In the book, Mr Tubuna also talks about those who inspired him growing up and how losing his father changed the course of his life.
He did not have the pleasure of meeting or knowing his father growing up as he had passed away when his mother was just a few months pregnant with him.
He said his mother’s family, soon after his father’s untimely death, offered to raise him at their home in Wailoku, which is just half an hour’s drive from his father’s village, Suvavou.
“I was raised by members of my mother’s family who were from the Solomon Islands with links to Deuba. The elders in Wailoku, especially my grandfather was God-fearing, so I was raised in a very religious household,” he said.
“My grandfather was a source of wisdom and strength to us all; he was a true patriarch of our clan.”
His grandfather was a catechist and evangelist.
“The community of elders that helped raised me were brought to Fiji as slaves through black birding and they accepted Christianity through the Anglican church.
“I was blessed to have been raised there, especially at a time when there wasn’t a lot of good opportunities in education. I was fortunate as they had prioritised two important things – God and education.
“Today I try to help as much as I can with the church because it helped me growing up, especially with my education and those of us raised single-handedly in the community.
“The church paid for my education throughout my primary school; it wasn’t an easy life.”
One moment he vividly remembers is when he used to walk to learn carpentry in Suva.
“After Class 5, students used to learn woodwork at Robertson Rd. I noticed that those that had working fathers or a support of both parents would catch the bus while I would walk to Robertson Rd and back home,” he said.
“Being a poor student, I had to climb the hill to Delainavesi, then walk to Suva and back after class.
“Sometimes I would get lucky when my mother would give me six pence to spend, I never complained and loved school even more.
“Those moments encouraged me to work really hard in school.”
While talking about his mum’s dedication and love in nurturing him to becoming a successful educator, Mr Tubuna could not help feeling emotional.
When it was time for him to go study at Ratu Kadavulevu Intermediate School in Lodoni, his mum worked to try and provide for the things her son needed at boarding school.
His mum worked hard under the sun as a labourer for a local Chinese farmer to support Mr Tubuna.
Overcoming the financial constraints and prioritising education, Mr Tubuna manoeuvred through life with great determination.
After his primary school days at RKS, Mr Tubuna went on to Queen Victoria School and later enrolled at Nasinu Teachers College.
He became a teacher and taught for several years. He held high positions in schools as a head teacher and a principal and later moved up the rank to become a divisional education officer and chief education officer (primary).
After serving as a civil servant, Mr Tubuna went on to USP where he later became the director of USP’s Fiji Centre and acting centre director for Tuvalu.
He retired from USP in 2004.
His book describes in detail his journey and how he clings to life lessons.
His book was launched by the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Professor Biman Prasad at the Fijian Teachers Association Hall last month.
“This is more than a bookâit is a powerful testimony of a life well lived,” said Prof. Prasad, who once worked under Mr Tubuna.
“His story reminds us that true leadership is built on sacrifice, humility and faith.”
Tribute was paid to his wife of 60 years, Karalaini Tubuna, and their children for upholding a proud family legacy.
Mr Tubuna is grateful to all the special people helped him publish the book and thanks them for their guidance and support.
The book is sold at the Fiji Museum.
The book “Journey into the Unknown through Faith”. Picture: Professor Biman Prasad Facebook page.
Invited guests at the book launch. Picture: Professor Biman Prasad Facebook page.
Mr Sakiusa Tubuna (Snr) with his book at his home in Tamavua.
Picture: ANA MADIGIBULI
