Irena Tuilovoni’s passion for teaching was sparked by her love for children. Now, after many years and countless students, the 53-year-old head teacher at Nasau District School in Ra continues to provide educational experiences that prepare her students for life beyond the classroom.
Tuilovoni expresses her dedication to “molding children to be future leaders,” which fuels her enthusiasm for education. At Nasau District School, she oversees nine teachers who cater to the needs of 261 students from around 11 villages.
“I love the children and consider them as my own,” she 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 schools in highland areas, Nasau District School faces significant challenges. Students often have to navigate long and perilous journeys to reach school. A drive to the school can take over an hour, covering about 22 kilometers of rough terrain.
“If we miss the carrier at 2 p.m., we have to pay $80 from Waimicia to get to our school, but we can split the fare if there are three or four of us,” she explained. Tuilovoni, who has three children and four grandchildren, spends five days away from home each week, returning to her family only on Fridays.
She resides at the school with another teacher during the weekdays, and her day begins early. “A typical day for me starts at 3 a.m. with my prayer time. By 7 a.m., I am in the office welcoming children because that’s when the first carrier arrives after picking up students from the 11 villages,” she said. Her day includes teaching classes and managing administrative tasks.
The responsibilities of teaching can be both physically and mentally taxing, and Tuilovoni emphasizes the importance of self-care. She takes time to unwind by engaging in card games with close friends.
Reflecting on her extensive teaching career, primarily spent in rural areas, she recalls her first assignment at Vugalei District School in Naimasimasi, Tailevu. Connectivity issues present a major challenge for many teachers in such remote locations.
“It’s very difficult when there’s no internet. To communicate with loved ones, you often have to find a specific location to get a signal,” she noted. “For reliable internet, we usually have to travel a few kilometers to another village.”
As the school head, she relies on daily email updates but manages connectivity challenges by receiving text messages instead of making a five-kilometer trek.
Despite these obstacles, Tuilovoni remains committed to her role, recognizing the importance of connecting with students, fostering relationships, and nurturing future leaders. Her relentless dedication inspires her students to strive for excellence and pursue their dreams.