Lanieta Lagiono Raiwai was the youngest of the 56 women who graduated from the Makoi Women’s Vocational Training Centre on Thursday.
The 18-year-old said she used the challenges her family faced when her mother developed stage four breast cancer and became bedridden as her motivation to succeed.
She graduated with a certification of participation in the culinary course.
The Nacula, Yasawa villager has eight siblings and is the second youngest.
“Growing up wasn’t easy because the little we had, had to be shared equally among the eight of us,” Lanieta said.
“My dad is the sole breadwinner in our family.
“He works really hard selling cassava and doing odd jobs to provide for us.
“Sometimes I find it stressful wondering how we will get through the day because we are not sure that whatever my dad earns will be enough to feed us.
“When my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, my father would have to stay home to look after her.
“My older brother then started looking for jobs to provide for our family needs.”
Lanieta said she thought of options she could take after completing studies at Dudley High School last year.
“My aunty introduced me to the training centre and the course.
“Waking up to a new day of school is waking up to a blessing – an opportunity to do something with my life.
“I will be forever indebted to the centre for giving unprivileged women the chance to not only study but interact with other women from different ethnic groups.”
Lanieta said she hoped to pursue the sewing course next.
