Manasa Katonivere, a Year 11 student from Nabua Secondary School, delivered a powerful message to his peers emphasizing that hard work has no substitutes. Earlier this year, Manasa faced significant challenges enrolling in secondary school in Suva, primarily due to coming from a low-income family and experiencing a lack of support from his schoolmates. In an effort to support his education, his parents invested in a brush cutter for him to generate income.
Through sheer determination and perseverance, Manasa found a supportive ally in Nirmal Singh Cheema, a kind-hearted customer who played a pivotal role in his educational journey. Reflecting on his parents’ struggles, Manasa expressed, “Seeing my parents struggle from time to time, I knew I had to level up and become the best version of myself every day.”
Manasa shared how he utilized the brush cutter, spending hours cutting grass in his neighborhood to earn a decent income. He expressed gratitude for Mr. Cheema’s support, referring to him as a father figure in his life.
At the recent prizegiving ceremony, Manasa was recognized for his participation in the AFL Under-17 tournaments in Australia, which marked a significant milestone in his journey toward self-improvement. Mr. Cheema emphasized that his support was rooted in recognizing potential rather than merely giving back. He urged, “The message I want to share is that there are many young people like Manasa who need our support and encouragement. We must believe in our children.”
Mr. Cheema also highlighted the importance of community in nurturing young talent, stating, “It takes a village to raise a child.” He called upon community members and schools to reach out to underprivileged children eager to succeed while lacking resources, encouraging educational institutions to welcome every student, as each holds the potential to make a positive impact.
This inspiring story showcases the importance of community support and hard work in overcoming challenges. It serves as a reminder that with perseverance and encouragement, young individuals like Manasa can achieve their dreams, inspiring others to do the same.
In summary, the article illustrates Manasa’s dedication to his education, the impact of community support, and the belief in the potential of every child. This positive narrative highlights that with the right support and determination, obstacles can be transformed into stepping stones for success.
Leave a comment