Lilly Vukicigau, named the best female cadet, believes that girls can achieve more than boys if they are determined and hardworking. The Year 13 student from Lomary Secondary School asserted that girls like her could match their male counterparts in society. As the eldest of five siblings, her success stems from dedication and perseverance.
At 18, Vukicigau received the best female cadet award during Lomary Secondary School’s passing-out parade. She noted that it’s uncommon for girls to earn such recognitions in school cadet events. “I am honored to receive the award despite the four weeks of rigorous training,” she said. “I have learned so much over the past weeks of cadet training, and I know it will benefit me in the long term.”
She mentioned that many of them were new to the cadet system, especially with the challenge of waking up early in the morning during wet weather. “I am happy that we made history despite our rural setting. I want to take this time to thank the Republic of Fiji Military Forces for guiding our students during the four weeks of cadet training,” she added. Vukicigau emphasized that such programs should be integral to the school curriculum in Fiji as they instill good values in the youth.