AT a young age, Penisoni Batinivatu learned to make a living from the skills he has acquired, whether working with timber, tending crops or heading out to sea.
From Navutulevu Village in Ra, with maternal links to Maumi Village in Tailevu, Penisoni puts his carpentry training to use while helping with construction work at Nanumi Au Eco Lodge, near his village.
After graduating from technical college, he began applying the skills he had learned in carpentry at home and at the eco lodge.
He is now helping construct a bure at the lodge, where he continues to develop his trade through practical experience.
“I am helping out with the construction work while working at the lodge,” he said.
The work also provides a way for him to contribute to his mataqali, which receives financial support from the eco lodge.
Beyond carpentry, Penisoni works alongside his father in sugarcane and root crop farming, helping provide for their family.
The sea however, offers another source of income.
With the village close to the coast, fishing is part of his livelihood, although trips depend on the availability of a boat and suitable weather.
He usually joins other fishermen, selling fish according to the grade of fish they catch.
They also catch lobsters, which are often sold to nearby hotels.
“There are many hotels, resorts and villas nearby, so we also sell lobsters to them,” he said.
Income from each fishing trip is shared after expenses for the boat and fuel have been deducted.
Depending on the catch and the costs involved, Penisoni can take home about $200.
Although fishing trips are not frequent, the money helps meet household expenses.
His father’s earnings from sugarcane and root crop farming also provide support.
Penisoni is not the only one contributing to the household. His two other siblings also work and help support their parents.
“We all help out at home with the daily expenses,” he said.
Through carpentry, farming and fishing, Penisoni builds his skills while contributing to his family’s needs.
Each source of income plays a part in keeping the household going, with the work shared among family members.
