For Reapi Adidrau Tabuaniviti, the hours between 10 PM and 4 AM transformed into a precious sanctuary for study. As a married mother from Qoma Island, her educational journey began after an exhaustive day filled with commuting, household responsibilities, and tucking her young son into bed.
Last year, her remarkable commitment to learning bore fruit when she was honored as the 2025 Dux of the Nabua Secondary School’s Matua Programme. “I am not going to lie, I cried when my name was announced,” Ms. Tabuaniviti expressed, her tears reflecting the immense sacrifices she had made.
Her path to academic excellence was paved with significant hurdles. Learning about the Matua Programme, a government initiative designed to provide a second chance at education for early school leavers, she enrolled in 2024 with encouragement from a friend and program coordinator. Balancing the demands of being a wife, mother, and student pushed her to her limits.
“Our classes ended around 8:30 PM. After traveling from Suva to Nausori, I would usually get home by 9:30 PM,” she recounted. “Sometimes I wouldn’t even have dinner. I’d start studying around 9:30 or 10 PM and continue until 4 AM, as that was the quietest time.”
The financial strain on her family added another layer of difficulty. With her husband working as a farmer and supporting their child, even the cost of bus fare became a challenge. To alleviate some of that pressure, Ms. Tabuaniviti launched a small business from their village home, showcasing a resilience that exceeded expectations. “As a mother, I did not want to depend on others for support,” she said, praising her husband as her greatest supporter, despite his occasional displeasure over her late-night study sessions.
“I had to make many sacrifices, but I stayed focused,” she noted. That dedication has led her to a new chapter in her life. Following her outstanding academic achievements, Ms. Tabuaniviti has been accepted into the University of the South Pacific, where she will pursue a Bachelor of Education, aspiring to become a secondary school teacher specializing in English and Literature.
Her faith and inspiration from her church pastor, Reverend Epeli Ratabacaca, guide her. “I want to share the Word of God, and I believe language should never be a barrier. Wherever God leads me, I am willing to go,” she stated.
For other young mothers who feel their dreams fading, Ms. Tabuaniviti offers heartfelt encouragement. “Having children or starting a family does not mean the end of your future. You can overcome the barriers.” She commended the Matua Programme as a crucial opportunity for empowerment, emphasizing that the supportive nature of the teachers was instrumental in her journey.
“They are not just teachers; they are like parents. They supported us, guided us, and stayed with us through the journey,” she shared. By encouraging those who face similar challenges, she affirms that dropping out of school does not signify the end of their aspirations, as the Matua Programme provides a pathway back to education and the realization of dreams.
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