At the age of 51, many women might reflect on their lives and begin to slow down. However, for Akosita Tinai from Rokovuaka, Nalawa in Ra, Fiji, this stage marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter—one that involves traveling to Australia to realize her long-postponed dreams and reclaim forgotten aspirations.
Having dedicated much of her life to motherhood and economic survival, Ms. Tinai, like many women in Fiji’s rural areas, had previously set aside her personal ambitions for the sake of her family. Nonetheless, an opportunity arose for training and employment in Australia’s aged care sector. Without hesitation, she seized it, despite the challenges associated with balancing family responsibilities.
“It wasn’t easy. At my age, chasing employment while still looking after family is difficult,” Tinai confessed. “But I told myself—this is something different. This is something for me.”
Tinai’s pivotal opportunity came through a vocational training program sponsored by ALPHACRUCIS University, which provides support for Fijian women seeking careers in aged care. Completing the intensive six-month Certificate III in Individual Support in Fiji, she gained essential skills to provide medical care and emotional support for the elderly.
The graduation ceremony, held at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour, Sydney, represented not just a milestone for Tinai but for many in her cohort—the third group of Fijians completing this transformative program. Reflecting on her achievement, she remarked, “I remember standing there in my gown, looking at the crowd and thinking, ‘I did it. I really did it.’ It’s never too late to start again.”
Her journey, reminiscent of the story of Adi Viniana Tuirewa, who also graduated with a Certificate III in Individual Support earlier, emphasizes the resilience and determination of Fijian women pursuing further education and new careers. Despite facing significant challenges, Tuirewa’s experience highlighted the indispensable role of family support in overcoming obstacles.
While Ms. Tinai previously worked in tourism, the increasing demand for aged care workers in Australia redirected her path. During her practical training at the Father Law Home in Suva, she discovered a profound sense of compassion for some of society’s most vulnerable individuals, often finding solace and familiarity in caring for the elderly, whom she viewed as extended family.
Now working in Sydney, Tinai describes her role as “blessed beyond words.” The supportive work environment not only values her efforts as a caregiver but has also started to transform her family’s living situation back in Fiji. Plans to expand her family home and explore business ventures with her daughter in Suva indicate a promising future.
“It’s not just about me anymore. It’s about creating a legacy,” she asserted, expressing her commitment to improving not just her family’s life but also paving the way for future generations.
Tinai’s inspiring story, like those of many Fijians seeking better futures abroad, reflects an emerging trend where personal growth and dignity stand as significant motivators behind such pursuits. Despite the hurdles of homesickness and cultural adjustment, her faith and commitment to her goals serve as a testament to her strength.
As she emphasizes, “When your intention is pure and you stay committed, the hard times become stepping stones.”
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