The passion for nurturing children led Irena Tuilovoni to embark on a career in education. Now, after many years and countless students, the 53-year-old remains dedicated to providing impactful learning experiences that prepare students for life beyond the classroom.
As the head teacher at Nasau District School in Ra, Tuilovoni expresses a deep commitment to “molding children to be future leaders,” a sentiment that continues to fuel her enthusiasm for teaching. The school employs nine educators to serve 261 students hailing from approximately 11 villages.
“I love the children and consider them as my own,” Tuilovoni shared during an interview at the Fijian Teachers Association’s annual delegates conference in Suva. “Even though I have kids, my students are my priority.”
Like many highland schools, Nasau District School faces significant educational hurdles, with students often enduring lengthy and hazardous journeys to reach school. The drive to the institution takes over an hour and spans 22 kilometers on a gravel road.
“If we miss the carrier at 2 pm, we would have to pay $80 from Waimicia to get to our school. However, if there are three or four of us, we split the fare,” she explained. Tuilovoni is away from her family for five days at a time, seeing them only on Fridays.
During the weekdays, she resides at the school with another teacher. Her day begins early, starting at 3 am with prayer time. By 7 am, she’s in the office to welcome students as the first transport arrives after picking them up from the villages. Her duties involve teaching and various administrative tasks throughout the day.
The demands of teaching can be both physically and mentally taxing. To manage her health and well-being, Tuilovoni engages in card games with friends, seeking balance amidst her responsibilities. Reflecting on her career, which has largely taken place in rural areas, she recalls her first posting at Vugalei District School in Naimasimasi, Tailevu.
Connectivity issues pose significant challenges for teachers in rural regions. “It’s tough when there’s no internet. I often have to find a specific spot to get a phone signal to call loved ones,” she remarked. For internet access, she must travel several kilometers to another village.
As the head of the school, Tuilovoni requires daily updates via email. To navigate connectivity issues, she relies on text messages to avoid unnecessary travel.
Despite these challenges, Tuilovoni remains steadfast in her mission, recognizing the critical role she and her team play in connecting with and guiding students, fostering relationships, and preparing them for the future. Her commitment and resilience motivate her students to strive for excellence and to dream big.