Ana Yabakivou, an inspiring 18-year-old who dropped out of Year 12, has successfully graduated with a Certificate IV in Organic Agriculture from the Ministry of Youth’s Naleba Training Centre in Labasa. She celebrated her achievement alongside 33 other graduates during a ceremony held on Friday.
Despite the setback of failing the Fiji Year 12 Certificate Examination (FY12CE) last year, she embraced the opportunity to enroll at the Naleba Training Centre this year. Ana’s determination remains unwavering as she plans to continue her education in agriculture next year at Fiji National University’s Koronivia campus or the University of the South Pacific.
In her own words, Ana expressed her simple yet profound ambition: “I have a simple dream: to get a job and look after my family, meeting their financial needs.” To honor her achievement, she invited her grandmother, Anasimeci Solokai, to the graduation ceremony, highlighting the strong family support that has played a crucial role in her journey.
Ana emphasized that her success is a testament to the encouragement she received from her family and the dedication of her teachers and the centre’s management. Her grandmother, visibly emotional, shared her belief in Ana’s potential to secure a good job in the future.
Reflecting on her time at the Naleba Training Centre, Ana admitted that staying in the girls’ dormitory away from her family posed significant challenges. She experienced moments of loneliness but found the strength to persevere. Her message to other students is clear: “Do not give up, because there are plenty of opportunities to climb up in life.”
Ana’s story serves as a beacon of hope and determination, illustrating that setbacks can be overcome with resilience and support from loved ones. Her graduation is not only a personal achievement but also an inspirational reminder of the potential that lies within us all to overcome challenges and pursue our dreams.
Leave a comment