WHEN most children were idle at home enjoying the school break, Peni Tamudu would be found shining shoes or helping his dad, Nimilote, sell newspapers in Lautoka.
Even during school days, Peni would accompany Nimi — as he was more fondly known — on the corner of Vakabale and Naviti streets in the afternoon.
But despite his commitment to helping his dad, Peni never neglected his studies.
The former St Thomas High School student managed a pass of 315 in his Year 13 exams, just a few marks short of qualifying for a Toppers scholarship, but more than enough to gain entry into the University of the South Pacific this year.
However, tragedy struck on the first day of his studies.
His father died on Monday. The first-year USP student, who lost his mother a few years ago, was attending his first day of lectures when he received news of his father’s death.
“I will miss so many things about him, the way he used to growl at me, his jokes and the way he used to laugh at my jokes,” Peni shared.
Nimi had been selling The Fiji Times newspaper for about two decades. The duo lived in Vunato Settlement.
“We didn’t have much, but we had each other and I really miss him.”
Peni’s mother, Loata Baleinabuli, died in 2014.
The 18-year-old is pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in accounting and finance with funding from the Tertiary Education Loans Scheme (TELS) and he hopes to gain employment as an auditor when he graduates.
“I know dad was so proud that I managed to get into university and he worked so hard to support me.
“But now that he’s gone, I’m not sure how I will get through the next three years. I just have to put my faith and trust in God.”
