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Illustration of ‘No substitute for hard work’

Perseverance Pays Off: A Student’s Journey from Struggles to Success

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Manasa Katonivere, an 11th-grade student at Nabua Secondary School, delivered a powerful message to his fellow students about the importance of hard work. Earlier this year, Manasa encountered challenges while trying to enroll in a secondary school in Suva. Hailing from a low-income background and lacking support from school peers, he struggled to find his footing. To assist with his educational expenses, his parents purchased a brush cutter for him to earn some money.

Demonstrating resilience, Manasa took to the neighborhood, offering grass-cutting services to generate income. During this journey, he expressed gratitude for the support from Nirmal Singh Cheema, who played a pivotal role in his life. Reflecting on his family’s difficulties, Manasa shared, “Seeing my parents struggle from time to time, I knew I had to level up and become the best version of myself every day.”

Recently, Manasa was honored at a prizegiving ceremony for his involvement in the AFL Under-17 tournaments held in Australia earlier this year. For him, this recognition represents a significant milestone in his pursuit of self-improvement. Mr. Cheema, who has supported him, emphasized that his involvement was less about giving back and more about recognizing potential in young individuals.

Mr. Cheema also urged the community to support more children like Manasa who aspire to succeed but may lack the financial means. He stated, “I firmly believe in the adage, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ Let’s reach out to children who want to succeed. And to schools, I encourage you to welcome every student, as each one holds the potential to bring about change.”

This story highlights the transformative power of community support and the remarkable resilience of young individuals like Manasa. It serves as a reminder that with dedication and guidance, obstacles can be overcome, paving the way for future successes.

In summary, Manasa’s journey exemplifies the strength found in hard work and the importance of community in nurturing potential among youth. His achievements not only inspire his peers but also call for a collective responsibility to uplift and support those striving to improve their circumstances.


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