HIGH above Naroro Village in Sigatoka, the history of the Tavuni Hill Fort comes alive through the stories Anaseini Sisitabua Wasenuku shares with visitors as she guides them through the historic site.
A volunteer tour guide at the fort, Wasenuku draws on her previous experience to explain the history of the site and the places visitors encounter along the way.
She first worked at Tavuni Hill Fort for four years under the former site manager, Lanieta Nainoca, before moving to Suva.
Now, she has returned to help guide visitors and share the knowledge she has gained over the years.
“I used to explain about the history of the sites, and I use to love talking to students that visit because I’m imparting historical knowledge to them when they visit,” Wasenuku said.
For her, the most rewarding part of guiding is seeing people take an interest in the history of their own country, particularly young people.
Her role goes beyond telling stories.
Like other guides at historical sites, Wasenuku helps manage visitors as they move through the fort, ensuring site rules are followed and helping prevent damage to fragile structures and antiquities.
Her work also gives her an opportunity to connect with tourists.
Their appreciation for her service has sometimes come in the form of thanks and tips.
“Sometimes when I take visitors like tourists, they thank me for my service and they would tip me for being their tour guide,” she said.
“I’m happy that people are happy with the service we provide here as guides.”
Wasenuku, a single mother of three, came from Suva to volunteer at the fort.
Her son lives in the village, where he farms for a living and she often visits him. While there, she sometimes collects kai and sells it to earn an income.
But it is her connection to history and her willingness to share it that keeps bringing her back to Tavuni Hill Fort.
For Wasenuku, every visitor is an opportunity to make the past meaningful and every young person who listens is another chance to keep that history alive.
