AT just 25, a farmer from Bua now holds the key to his own home after turning yaqona farming into a pathway to home ownership.
Nakorovou, Bua, resident Lui Rabale said his journey began while studying at the Tutu Training Centre on Taveuni between 2022 and 2025, where he started planning for his future.
“I was given a piece of land in Tutu to plant yaqona,” he said.
“They gave us land for us to work on.”
Demonstrating discipline and foresight, Mr Rabale planted 500 yaqona plants over three years with the aim of funding his housing contribution.
Upon harvest, he earned about $15,000, setting aside more than $8000 to meet the one-third contribution required under the Rural Housing Assistance Program.
“The remaining funds I saved as an investment towards my future, including plans to extend my home.”
He learnt about the scheme during a visit to his village last year by a district officer.
“I thought of applying for it. I was shocked when I received a call from the district officer telling me I had been selected.
“By then, I had just sold my yaqona and still had money with me. I felt grateful for the opportunity that had come my way. It was something I had never imagined would happen so quickly.”
He said the experience reinforced the importance of hard work and patience.
“Now, I am hopeful about building a better future for myself and my family.”
Minister for Rural and Maritime Development Mosese Bulitavu said Mr Rabale’s story was a powerful example of what can be achieved when young people are empowered with the right support and make full use of the resources available to them.
Mr Bulitavu said the assistance was about more than just housing, it was about building a future.
“It reflects self-reliance, hard work, and the effective use of assistance to improve livelihoods and living standards in our rural communities,” he said.
He encouraged young people to take advantage of opportunities available to them.
“We want to see more young people take ownership of their development journey.”
He said the house proved that with determination and the right support, anyone can achieve their dreams.
