Former South African president Nelson Mandela once said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
He also reminded us that education is “the great engine of personal development”, the force that allows the daughter of a peasant to become a doctor, the son of a mine worker to become the head of the mine, and the child of farm workers to become the president of a great nation.
Mandela was unequivocal in his belief that no country can truly develop unless its citizens are educated.
These are powerful words that continue to resonate across generations and borders. They underline not only the value of education, but the urgency with which societies must protect, promote and invest in it. Against this backdrop, the story of Sikeli Naucukidi stands out as both timely and deeply inspiring.
At just 23 years old, Mr Naucukidi made the brave decision to return to school earlier this year. The Delakado, Dawasamu, Tailevu man sat for the Fiji Year 13 Certificate examination and passed, satisfied with his results and encouraged by the renewed hope of a better future.
His achievement did not come easily. Balancing work, family and study demanded sacrifice.
A security officer by profession, Mr Naucukidi walked daily to attend his 8pm classes, walked again to his various workstations, and then walked back home because his earnings were not enough to regularly top up his bus card.
It is a powerful story, one that should stop us in our tracks. This is not just about academic success.
It is a story of perseverance, commitment, resilience and belief. It is about recognising the importance of education and being willing to endure hardship to achieve a long-term goal. Above all, it is about choosing hope over circumstance.
“I heard about the Matua Program at Nabua Secondary School from a friend, so I told my wife I would attend. I had to pay $120 for the year,” Mr Naucukidi said.
He spoke openly about the struggle of balancing household responsibilities, work demands, finances and school assignments.
“We made many sacrifices, especially me, walking from home to Vatuwaqa for work or into town, then walking back to Nabua for classes and then back home to Tamavua,” he said.
“But I was determined because I want to give my daughter a better and brighter future. I don’t want her to go through what we went through as her parents.”
His wife, Siteri, who hails from Rukuruku on Ovalau, echoed this determination. Together, the couple have urged school dropouts and early school leavers to consider returning to education, insisting that nothing is impossible for those who are committed.
“If my husband can do it, so can anyone who is determined to do better in life,” she said. “I am a housewife and whatever money my husband earns is enough for us. When life is tough, we can have rice and tea for a few days, or curry pawpaw, and that’s okay, because our goal is a good future for our daughter.”
Their journey has not been without hardship. Mr Naucukidi recalled being 19 and enrolled in Foundation Studies at the University of the South Pacific when he learned that his then-girlfriend, now wife, was pregnant.
Facing backlash from family and relatives, the young couple made the decision to stand together, rely on faith, work hard and prepare for the arrival of their child, now three years old.
Their determination has paid off.
Sikeli Naucukidi’s story reminds us that while the road to success is rarely smooth, there is light at the end of the tunnel for those willing to walk it.
Education may demand sacrifice, but it also offers something priceless. The power to change generations to come!
