Manasa Katonivere, a Year 11 student from Nabua Secondary School, recently delivered an inspiring message to his fellow students: the significance of hard work cannot be overstated. Earlier this year, Manasa encountered obstacles while trying to enroll in a secondary school in Suva. Coming from a low-income family and facing a lack of support from his schoolmates, he struggled to find his place. To contribute to his education, his parents invested in a brush cutter, allowing him to earn money by cutting grass in the neighborhood.
Despite these challenges, a generous customer named Nirmal Singh Cheema played a pivotal role in Manasa’s educational journey. Reflecting on his experiences, Manasa shared, “Seeing my parents struggle from time to time, I knew I had to level up and become the best version of myself every day.” He expressed gratitude for Mr. Cheema’s mentorship, particularly during times of hardship, viewing him as a father figure.
At a recent prize-giving ceremony, Manasa was recognized for his participation in the AFL Under-17 tournaments in Australia, a significant milestone on his path to self-improvement. Mr. Cheema emphasized that his support came from recognizing potential in youth and not merely as a way of giving back. He urged the community to support young individuals like Manasa, stating, “We must believe in our children,” and highlighting the proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Mr. Cheema passionately called upon schools not to deny any student the opportunity to learn, as each child has the capacity to make a meaningful impact.
This story illustrates the power of resilience and community support in transforming lives. Manasa’s journey is a reminder of how determination, coupled with the backing of compassionate individuals, can lead to positive outcomes, encouraging others to reach out and uplift those who aspire for a better future.
Overall, this narrative offers hope and inspiration, emphasizing that with perseverance and support, challenges can be overcome and dreams can be realized.
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