Sainimere Waqavonovono’s decision to return to the classroom after two decades was never about reliving the past, but building back better for a stronger and better future.
The mother of four, who hails from Kadavu, is one of the success stories of Nabua Secondary School’s Matua Programme, an initiative designed to give individuals who dis-continued their studies, a second chance at formal education.
Last year, she not only completed the program but emerged as a top achiever, collecting three subject prizes and attaining first place in the Year 13 internal examinations.
Originally from Joma in the tikina of Naceva, Ms Waqavonovono was raised in Cunningham Road, Suva, and attended Tacirua Primary School before moving on to Indian College, now Jai Narayan College.
Like many students of her generation, financial constraints meant tertiary education was not immediately within reach.
Over the next 20 years, she worked in a range of roles, from accounts clerk and receptionist to administration officer, while raising a family.
But the desire to further her education never faded.
“Education has always been my passion,” she said.
“Back then, we had to pay our own fees. Now that there is an opportunity, I felt it was the right time.”
Returning to school life was not easy.
Balancing family responsibilities, evening classes and exam preparation tested her resolve, particularly as a married woman with children.
Still, she persevered.
“The first week was difficult. It took time to adjust, but I came with a goal,” she said.
That determination has finally paid off.
Ms Waqavonovono has been able to secure offers to pursue a Bachelor of Education at the University of the South Pacific (USP) and a Bachelor of Media and Journalism at the University of Fiji (UniFiji), leaving her with a life-changing decision to make.
While teaching remains her first choice, she admits a growing interest in media and storytelling.
To women who feel their dreams have slipped away, her message was that it is never ever too late.
“Follow your heart. If you have a passion for something, go for it,” she said.
“Nothing is impossible.”
