EDUCATION may provide you with a qualification but it will not make you an honest and dedicated person in life.
That is what Ranadi Meri believes in.
The mother of five didn’t go far in her studies but her devotion is what makes her a respected member of Nabalesere Village in Ra.
She is the secretary of the village’s committee that manages the Savulelele Waterfall ecotourism project and her job includes record keeping and communications.
She is also the secretary of Nabalesere women’s poultry project and the treasurer of the village’s Soqosoqo Vakamarama branch.
She manages the community canteen which opens for an hour three times a day.
That may seem like a lot of work, considering the fact that she has a family of seven to look after as well, but Ranadi believes dedication and passion drives her.
“If you have honesty and dedication people around you will trust you,” she said.
“People with degrees are in prison because they have attained tertiary qualifications to work in banks but lack values that will make then trusted people.”
Ranadi does not have any form of qualification in finance but says she’s is able to manage her family’s budget well.
“A mother plays many roles in the family. She is a caregiver, cook and cleaner. She may also manage the family’s budget,” she said.
“If she fails in any of these jobs, the whole family is affected.”
Being one of two women committee members that look after the village’s Savulelele Waterfall, Ranadi says the ecotourism venture has allowed villagers to appreciate the value of their natural environment and resources.
“Having two women in the committee is also important because it helps bring women’s perspective to community leadership and demonstrates that women and men can work closely together to achieve great things.”
