At the age of 37, Neomai Malupo exemplifies the idea that it is never too late to pursue a long-held dream. A former pharmacy assistant and dedicated mother of four, she has triumphantly completed the Matua Programme at Nabua Secondary School, reclaiming an educational path she set aside nearly two decades ago.
Originally from Lakeba in Lau and raised in Lautoka, Ms. Malupo’s academic journey faced hurdles when she attended Natabua High School but was unable to complete her studies in 2008. She subsequently worked as a pharmacy assistant at the Ministry of Health, a position she held until last year. Making a significant decision, Ms. Malupo chose to leave her job to concentrate fully on her education.
“I stopped work because I couldn’t handle both,” she said. Balancing a job from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, attending Matua classes from 5 PM to 8 PM, and then attending to her children left her with only two or three hours to study. Nonetheless, her ambitions remain steadfast; her ultimate goal is to pursue an MBBS and become a doctor—an aspiration she has cherished since childhood.
Growing up near Lautoka Hospital with both parents working as medical lab technicians, she was inspired by the doctors she observed in action. “I always wanted to be one,” she reminisced. Enrolling in the Matua Programme six weeks in presented immediate challenges, but she credited her success to the exceptional teaching staff who guided her through difficult subjects. “The teachers were the main reason I attained the marks. Physics, which I found hard in high school, became clearer. I actually scored highest in physics here.”
Reflecting on her academic achievement, Ms. Malupo expressed a sense of longing for what could have been. “When I got my marks, I thought: why didn’t I do Matua sooner? I wish I’d known about it earlier,” she admitted.
She encourages others who have paused their education for family or personal circumstances to reconsider their choices. “There’s no age limit to completing your education. If you still have a dream from your youth, pursue it. Matua is a great place to start. The teachers give tremendous support and advice.”
Additionally, Ms. Malupo specifically addressed iTaukei students, urging a shift in the limiting mindset that often surrounds academic achievement. “Many iTaukei students think they are not capable of achieving high marks. There’s sometimes a view that if you don’t succeed, you can always return to village life. But we can achieve just as much as anyone. It’s not about race; it’s about how much work you put in. That mindset needs to change.”
Her journey is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to strive for one’s dreams, inspiring future generations to pursue their education and defy preconceived limitations.
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