At the age of 45, Sereana Korovulavula embodies the belief that it is never too late to pursue formal education. She is currently participating in the Matua Programme at Nabua Secondary School. Recently, Ms. Korovulavula was one of the 9,088 Year 13 students taking their external examination across Fiji.
Despite the challenges her age presents, Ms. Korovulavula credits her family as her main motivation for achieving academic success through the Matua programme. “It has never been easy, but I know it will be worth it,” she expressed. Having joined the programme last year, she successfully completed Year 12 and is now optimistic about finishing Year 13.
Hailing from Nabudrau Village in Rewa, Ms. Korovulavula is a mother of six and currently unemployed as she cares for her youngest child, who is just three years old. Balancing her responsibilities with her education, she recalled hearing about the Matua programme from the Vice Principal at Koro High, who was an alumnus of the program. Inspired, she committed three years ago to completing her studies through Matua.
After relocating to Suva in Tamavua following the first COVID-19 outbreak, her husband found work as a mechanic to support the family. Ms. Korovulavula noted, “My husband is the sole breadwinner for the family, and we just want to provide a better life for our children.”
She hopes to secure a job after completing the Matua programme to further support her family. “I have a good command of English, I am computer literate, and I passed my previous examinations with good marks,” she said, emphasizing her determination. Financially, she faces challenges with travel costs and other expenses, which her husband has been managing. Additionally, her eldest son, a flight attendant, has been assisting with her examination fees.
Ms. Korovulavula expressed that her children are her primary motivation, stating that their requests for items they cannot always afford drive her to work hard to provide for them. She intends to pursue human resource and finance courses at the university level.
Feeling grateful for the opportunity to advance her education, she encourages others who have left school to follow their dreams through the Matua programme. “They have excellent teachers dedicated to educating their students,” she remarked, particularly thanking her English teacher, Mr. Lingham, for his unwavering support throughout her academic journey.
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