Individuals who neglect tree preservation will ultimately find themselves in an unsustainable environment for humanity. This is the message from Jason Liwuslili, a 29-year-old graduate with a Diploma in Environmental Science from the University of the South Pacific. His journey from Vanuatu to Fiji symbolizes not only a personal educational pursuit but also a strong commitment to environmental conservation and community advancement.
Liwuslili grew up in Vanuatu and faced significant obstacles on his way to higher education. He revealed, “I wasn’t able to finish secondary school; I only made it to Year 11. After that, I withdrew from school.” Despite this setback, he was motivated by his deep desire to learn and his mother’s encouragement, prompting him to resume his education with determination in 2015.
“It took me a long time to start my USP journey,” he stated. He began with basic writing skills, progressed to preliminary studies, and eventually completed his foundation studies. His persistence bore fruit when he finally received his degree certificate. Both his mother, a private business owner, and his late father, who passed away in 2015, provided invaluable support throughout his educational journey.
Liwuslili relocated to Fiji in 2021, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought unique challenges. He recounted, “My very first challenge when we arrived here was understanding the culture. When we arrived during COVID, I was put in jail due to restrictions on social gatherings. We were detained for two days, which was quite the challenge.”
He also faced financial difficulties even though he was a sponsored student. “While our personal allowance wasn’t significant, I was really grateful as it exceeded what I would have received if I had stayed at home,” he noted.
Despite these obstacles, Liwuslili adapted to life in Fiji and continued his education. His experiences there profoundly influenced his views on the importance of education and cultural adaptation. He is focusing on environmental management, driven by a strong passion for protecting natural resources and tackling climate change.
Recently, he obtained a position with an NGO in Vanuatu, where he intends to utilize his expertise to manage natural resources effectively and address pressing environmental issues. He emphasizes that effective management is vital for safeguarding cultural heritage and ensuring sustainable development in the Pacific region.
“My advice? I suggest that whatever you do, give it your best effort. Everyone has different paths and challenges in life. Understand your aims and goals, and when opportunities arise for you to gain insight, seize them.”