Returning to education after years away was more than just a quest for qualifications for Sereana Korovulavula; it represented a reclaiming of hope and dignity for her six children. Raised in Nabua to a civil servant father and a mother who managed the household, Ms. Korovulavula began her education at Dudley Intermediate and Dudley High School. However, her path took an unexpected turn when, during her Form 5 year, she became pregnant, which led to her dropping out of school and entering an early marriage that would bring years of financial strain and domestic challenges.
After separating from her first husband, she embraced the role of a single mother before remarrying. Now, she balances her responsibilities as a mother of six with the struggles of living on a limited income, where her husband works as a mechanic, driver, and farmer, serving as the family’s sole provider. “I’m doing this for my children,” she expressed, highlighting the evolving challenges they face. “Sometimes when they want something, we can’t provide. That really pushes me to want better for them.”
Seeking to improve her family’s future, Ms. Korovulavula enrolled in the Matua Programme at Nabua Secondary School, which provides a second chance to those who left school early. Inspired by a former student she encountered on Koro Island, she began her studies in 2023. The transition back to formal education wasn’t simple for her; she had to adapt to new syllabi, particularly in English and Mathematics, while managing household responsibilities and childcare. Despite feelings of doubt, her children’s faces kept her motivated. “There were times I thought I wouldn’t make it. But when I look into my children’s eyes, I know I have to keep going.”
Completing the program not only enhanced her academic skills but also strengthened her relationship with her children. By studying alongside them, she contributes to their learning and instills the value of resilience in them. Her hard work has already opened new opportunities; Ms. Korovulavula has received an offer to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of the South Pacific, majoring in Finance and Economics, which she believes will lead to stable employment and greater support for her family.
She credits the Matua Programme and the Ministry of Education for restoring her self-confidence and opening doors she thought were permanently closed. With a hopeful message, Ms. Korovulavula urges women facing similar struggles to “never let anyone put you down.” She emphasizes that each individual is capable of shaping their own destiny and overcoming challenges with determination.
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