Peniana Matai has embraced life as a market vendor at the Suva Municipal Market, determined to seize each day despite fierce competition. Three years ago, she made the pivotal decision to leave her casual job and step into the world of market trading, motivated by her role as the sole provider for her family, which includes her husband and four children.
Matai shares that her venture into the market has brought numerous opportunities, allowing her to connect with wonderful individuals while conducting her business. On particularly successful days, she can earn up to $300, a significant increase compared to what she previously made bi-weekly.
Despite her success, Matai faces challenges. Seafood prices at the market can fluctuate monthly due to high demand and the difficulties involved in sourcing items like sea grapes and crabs. Nevertheless, she proudly notes that seafood prices at the Suva market are reasonable, with sea grapes selling for between $2 and $5 and crabs prepared in coconut milk available for $5.
Another inspiring vendor, Tokasa Wati, has also found success in the market. With over ten years in the business, Wati transitioned to farming after finishing school and initially started with watermelons. She expanded her operation to include dalo farming, which can yield as much as $3,000 weekly during peak times. Her four-acre farm, located a four-hour truck journey from her village in Lomai Vuna, produces not only dalo but also corn, pumpkins, and various green vegetables. Wati emphasizes that her farming income supports her four children’s education and helps cover household expenses.
Wati encourages the younger generation to utilize their land, reminding them that all iTaukei individuals own land, and thus have the potential to generate income. “If academics aren’t your strength, look at what’s around you,” she advises, inspiring many with her story of resilience and resourcefulness. Her dalo bundles fetch prices between $20 and $30, a testament to her hard work and dedication.
In these stories of Matai and Wati, we find positive examples of how individuals can navigate challenges through determination and entrepreneurship. Their experiences highlight the importance of leveraging available resources and inspire others to pursue similar paths toward financial independence and community engagement.
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