We owe our friends a lot – for their trust, confidence and honest advice. It was because of these qualities that Nabeela Nisha gave in to pressure and apply for a place at the Makoi Women’s Vocational Training Centre (MWVTC).
Nabeela finished off her secondary education after completing year 13 at Nasinu Muslim College last year.
Before she could officially put her school sandals away for the last time, her friend Natasha told her that the MWVTC was accepting applications for the National Certificate in Aged Care and Community Care (level 3). “It was peer pressure, she made me do it,” Nabeela said jokingly.
“Last year, before graduating she suggested I apply and I did, and I was accepted to do the caregiving course.”
Caregivers are in great demand in countries like the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, where the job attracts lucrative offers and good money. Furthermore, there is always a lookout for caregivers from Fiji, because of its rich blend of cultures that teach the value of respect and care for the elderly, This was the inspiration that compelled Nabeel to send in her application for the course. But over the duration of the course, the picture of caregiving in her head changed.
“I took this course due to the high demand for caregivers overseas,” she said.
“But the past six months have changed my perspective of the job.
“It is now about making a change in another person’s life. It has encouragesd me to be a compassionate caregiver.” With that new and enlightened understanding, Nabeel is ready to seek employment in the world. And at the back of her mind, is the opportunity to live a better life and advance her family.
“I’m thinking about applying for jobs overseas, and I am hoping to migrate for a better life.
“I love Fiji but I think for a lot about our young people, myself included. Migration is just one of the cards on the table.
“I am just playing with the cards that I have.”
Apart from learning new knowledge and skills for the job, she also picked up an important life lesson from her tutor at the MWVTC.
“Within the past six months, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of caregiving. “All thanks to our wonderful tutor, Masarina Paulo, for teaching us.
“She taught us how to be compassionate in everything we do and to never lose hope.”
Nabeela considers herself lucky for her window of opportunity and thanks MWVTC for the great work it does for disadvantaged women.
“I want to express my deep gratitude to the Fiji Muslim League for building and managing this institute, to help underprivileged women to enhance their knowledge through the courses on offer and improve their quality of life.”
Nabeela was one of the youngest in her group and they were on top of her ‘thank you’ list.
“Within these six last months I have realised that love has no barrier, no religion and no colour.
“We started as total strangers and now we are one big family.”
She said her cohort looked after her and loved her as their own daughter, while also understanding her as a best friend, and for that she was proud of all of them.
