Atelaite Rokosuka, a career civil servant, transformed her challenges into a life-changing opportunity after graduating with a Master of Commerce in Management and Public Administration from the University of the South Pacific. She referred to her journey as an example of how “God is the perfect planner.”
The graduation ceremony featured many women from diverse backgrounds, but for Mrs. Rokosuka, her faith became her anchor amidst numerous setbacks. Balancing family responsibilities while studying since 2018 proved to be a tough endeavor. She reflected on her decision to pursue her master’s degree as a courageous step.
Her role in government added to the difficulty of managing both her studies and family life, but she credits her family’s support for making it feasible. “Juggling studies and sustaining my family on a daily basis wasn’t easy,” Mrs. Rokosuka explained. “Finding time to study was a battle in itself, but with the right mindset and support from those around me, that was a driving force for me.”
Despite experiencing setbacks, including a temporary layoff from her position as Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry, she maintained her faith and commitment to education. She viewed this challenging period as a pivotal opportunity to push her limits and achieve her Master’s degree.
At times, she considered giving up, but her faith in Jesus Christ inspired her to overcome obstacles and continue striving towards personal growth. “Giving up wasn’t an option for me because I knew I still had a lot to accomplish in future, not only to educate myself but to share my knowledge with others,” she shared. “I believe that even when we face many downfalls, how we get back up really determines how far we will go in life.”
In her 27 years as a civil servant, Mrs. Rokosuka has excelled in her career while raising six children, supported by her husband, and cherishing moments with her grandchildren. She is passionate about encouraging other women to pursue their educational and professional goals, believing that this can foster a supportive community and break down barriers.