People who do not sustain trees will soon live in a world that does not sustain people.
That’s the message from 29-year-old Jason Liwuslili a graduate with a Diploma in Environmental Science from the University of the South Pacific.
His journey from his home country to Fiji reflects not only a quest for personal education but also a profound commitment to environmental conservation and community development.
Born and raised in Vanuatu, Liwuslili faced numerous challenges on his path to higher education.
“I wasn’t able to finish secondary school, I only made Year 11,” he said. “After that I withdrew from school.”
However, driven by a long-held desire to advance his learning and motivated by his mother’s encouragement, he returned to complete his education with renewed determination in 2015.
“So, it took me a long time to start my USP journey,” he said.
“I started from the BWS (basic writing skills) to prelim and then to foundation.”
Liwulili’s perseverance paid off when he got his degree certificate in his hands.
His mother, a private business owner, and his father, who passed away in 2015, were a significant source of inspiration and support throughout his educational journey.
Liwuslili’s move to Fiji in 2021 coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented unique challenges.
“My very first challenge when we arrived here was understanding the culture.
“During COVID, when we arrived, I was put in jail because of restrictions on social gatherings. So, we were in jail for two days. That was the first challenge.
The other challenge he faced was financial, even though he was a sponsored student.
“Even though our personal allowance wasn’t much, I was really grateful. It was more than I would’ve gotten if I had stayed at home.”
Despite these hurdles, Liwuslili managed to adapt to the Fijian way of life and continue his studies.
He said his experiences in Fiji were instrumental in shaping his understanding of the importance of education and cultural adaptation.
Liwuslili’s academic focus is on environmental management, driven by a deep-seated passion for preserving natural resources and combating the effects of climate change.
He recently secured a position with an NGO in Vanuatu where he aims to apply his knowledge to manage natural resources effectively and address environmental issues.
He believes that effective management is crucial for preserving cultural heritage and ensuring sustainable development in the Pacific region.
“My advice? I think I’m just going to say that whatever you do, do your best.
“We all have our different paths, different challenges in life. Just understand your aim, your goal, and when it comes for you to understand and look at things in a proper way, grab that opportunity.”
