Ana Yabakivou, a determined 18-year-old who previously dropped out of Year 12, has successfully graduated with a Certificate IV in Organic Agriculture from the Naleba Training Centre in Labasa. Alongside 33 fellow graduates, Ana’s journey reflects perseverance in the face of academic setbacks, having failed the Fiji Year 12 Certificate Examination (FY12CE) just a year prior.
Looking ahead, Ana aspires to further her education at either the Fiji National University (FNU) Koronivia campus or the University of the South Pacific to continue her studies in agriculture. She remains hopeful about her future employment in the field, stating, “I have a simple dream: to get a job and look after my family, meeting their financial needs.”
To commemorate her graduation, Ana invited her grandmother, Anasimeci Solokai, who expressed immense pride and joy at her granddaughter’s accomplishments. “Nothing is impossible if a student has family support and the determination to achieve their goal,” Ms. Solokai remarked.
Ana shares the challenges she faced while living at the centre’s girls’ dormitory, noting the loneliness and yearning for familial comfort. However, she triumphed over these hardships and graduated. Her encouraging message to peers struggling in their studies is to stay resilient: “There are plenty of opportunities to climb up in life.”
Ana Yabakivou’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that challenges can lead to personal growth and success, especially with the strong support of family and determination. Her experience encourages others facing similar obstacles to pursue their dreams, illustrating that it’s possible to overcome setbacks and achieve one’s goals.
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