At the age of 42, Vani Sokomuri has made her family history by becoming the first to achieve a tertiary education qualification. She graduated with 27 others from the Then India Sanmarga Ikya (TISI) Sangam College of Nursing and Health Care Education, receiving a National Certificate in Aged Care and Community Care Level Three.
During a graduation ceremony held at the Civic Centre in Labasa, Vani, who is expecting her seventh child, shared her remarkable story of perseverance over the past six months. Her dedication was evident as she recounted her study habits, which often involved late nights after putting her children to bed and early morning sessions that started at 2 a.m. before preparing breakfast and getting her children ready for school.
Her weekdays were hectic, with her saying, “Monday to Friday felt like rush hour.” She managed the demands of home life by ensuring she attended classes by 8 a.m. after sending her children to school and arranging care for her youngest.
Originally from Baravi Village in Navakasiga, Bua, and the eldest of six siblings, Vani received the Best Clinical Student Female award during her studies. Although she completed Year 13 at Labasa Sangam (SKM) College and started a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of the South Pacific, financial challenges led her to pause her education and focus on her family after marriage.
“I always wanted to study,” Vani stated, expressing her dreams of higher education. She aims to inspire her children to pursue their dreams without abandoning them. Vani expressed her gratitude to her husband, Napolioni Latianara, an officer with the Labasa Corrections Service, for his unwavering support throughout her academic journey.
This story exemplifies the power of determination and the importance of education. Vani’s achievement not only paves the way for her children but also serves as an inspiration for others in similar situations. Her journey highlights that with perseverance and a supportive partner, it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve personal goals, regardless of the stage in life.
In a broader context, Vani Sokomuri’s success underscores the significance of education for empowerment, especially for women, and illustrates how one can break barriers within their family and community.
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