Railala Cavu’s resilience shines in Makoi, Nasinu as she juggles motherhood and daily life despite severe challenges
Railala Cavu, 46, is a single mother of two who keeps her family together in Makoi, Nasinu, while navigating a life shaped by disability. Her mother, Ledua Kau, volunteered to share Cavu’s story because Railala faces speech impairment, making her voice harder to tell in detail.
Cavu’s ordeal began in early childhood when she pulled a boiling pot of water onto herself at age one. She sustained burns to her hands, legs, and several fingers, doctors told Kau, and the road to “being normal again” would be long. As Railala grew, the family noticed she could not speak or understand things like other children her age. A Filipino doctor explained that extreme shock from the accident had affected her speech, but he reassured the family that, with time, she could still grow into her potential. Today, Railala is a 46-year-old mother who continues to face life’s hurdles with a hopeful heart.
Despite the hurdles, Cavu remains steadfast. She accompanies her partially deaf daughter to school and waits with her there all day. On other days, she helps around the house or sells vegetables at the market to contribute to the family’s income. Her faith is a constant source of strength: nothing is impossible if one places faith in God, Kau notes. Railala herself communicates with her daughter as clearly as possible, speaking slowly and with patience—a practice that can be exhausting but is essential for their daily life.
Cavu’s cheerful demeanor hides the daily frustrations of communicating and handling money. She cannot delegate tasks like cooking or washing as easily as others because her daughter struggles with communication and coordination. Yet Railala remains determined and hopeful for the future, carrying the responsibility of two children and not being able to rely on her mother forever.
The family shares a close bond and lives with extended relatives in Makoi. Their story highlights the resilience and solidarity that many families in Fiji demonstrate in the face of hardship. Rather than judge, their companions and loved ones have become a source of strength, proving that unity can help weather even the toughest storms.
Context and value beyond this story
Railala’s experience resonates with broader themes seen in Fiji’s stories of perseverance: parents balancing caregiving with financial survival, women stepping into dual roles as caregivers and earners, and families leaning on communal support to sustain themselves. It points to the ongoing need for accessible communication support and social networks that empower people with speech and hearing difficulties to participate fully in education and work.
Summary
Railala Cavu’s life is a testament to steadfast love, faith, and resilience in the face of disability and economic strain. Her daily acts—taking her daughter to school, selling vegetables at the market, and keeping the family united—offer a hopeful example of how determination and community can illuminate a path forward for families facing similar challenges.
Notes for editors and potential angles
– Focus on the family dynamic and the role of extended family in supporting Railala and her children.
– Explore community resources that could assist families dealing with speech and hearing impairments in Fiji.
– Consider a follow-up piece on other resilience stories in the region to highlight common threads of perseverance and faith.
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