Mariah Lolohea, a 33-year-old mother from Rara in Naitasiri, has been named the winner of this year’s prestigious Commissioner’s Book Prize, a milestone that organisers and family say crowns an extraordinary story of resolve. A registered nurse with nearly 12 years’ experience, Lolohea completed a demanding training programme while raising two children as a single parent and working long clinical hours — an achievement those close to her describe as hard-won.
Lolohea’s campaign for the prize was far from smooth. Just two weeks into the training she was hospitalised after breaking two ribs, an injury that would have sidelined many. Rather than withdraw, she continued through the course while managing pain, ongoing nursing duties and childcare. Sources say the programme demanded intense study and practical commitments, leaving her little margin for rest. Despite this, Lolohea finished the programme and saw her efforts recognised by the Commissioner’s Book Prize panel.
Her children, she says, were the north star that kept her going. “They were my biggest motivation,” Lolohea told reporters, explaining that every setback — including the broken ribs — strengthened her resolve rather than diminishing it. “Every challenge I faced became a reminder of why I started. Quitting was never an option.” Those closest to her credit a tight family network for practical support: relatives stepped in to care for the children during long shifts and training sessions, enabling Lolohea to keep up with both study and work.
Balancing almost a dozen years in nursing with the rigours of formal training and parenting highlights a growing, if often invisible, workload faced by many working single parents in Fiji. Lolohea’s story illustrates how critical family support, workplace flexibility and individual determination can be in enabling someone to pursue further qualifications or creative endeavours while maintaining essential employment. Her achievement has prompted colleagues and community members in Rara to praise her discipline and commitment.
The Commissioner’s Book Prize — described by organisers as a prestigious honour — will place Lolohea in a spotlight beyond her immediate community, and organisers say her win will be showcased as an example of resilience and dedication. While details of the training programme and the work that secured the prize were not disclosed in full, the recognition itself marks a tangible outcome after months of juggling professional, educational and parental responsibilities.
Lolohea’s win is being framed locally as an inspiration, particularly for women and single parents striving to overcome obstacles to advance their careers or education. Having pushed through pain and hardship to complete the programme, she now stands as a public example of perseverance, with many in Naitasiri and beyond citing her story as a reminder that sustained effort, community support and a clear motivation can lead to notable success.
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