At 69 years old, Sereima Matea works diligently in the Rewa River, collecting kai, or freshwater mussels, which she sells for $90 a sack. Her daily routine is physically demanding, often leaving her hands numb from the cold and her feet fatigued. These experiences remind her of the strength she has discovered in herself throughout her life.
Born in Nanuku, Yakete, in Ba, Sereima’s journey took an unexpected turn when she married a man from Naganivatu and relocated to Naitasiri. Embracing her new environment, she took to heart the saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” She realized that the responsibilities of women in Naitasiri differed from those of her childhood, including the vital task of gathering kai from the river.
Sereima reflects on the challenges of collecting kai, which is no small feat. It requires endurance against cold waters, intense sunlight, and physical exhaustion. Yet, each morning, women from nearby villages rise early—sometimes as early as six o’clock—to wade into the water in search of this essential resource for their families.
The skills Sereima relies on were passed down from her mother-in-law, who patiently guided her through the process when she first married. Under her tutelage, Sereima learned to locate the kaibeneath the riverbed, develop the stamina required for long hours, and adapt to her new life.
Since her children were young, Sereima has been harvesting kai, a pursuit that has ultimately fueled her family’s success. The income she earned from selling the mussels enabled her to send her two sons and daughter to school, all of whom are now married with families of their own. Today, the laughter of her grandchildren brings joy to her life, and each ache in her body serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for her family.
“Over the years, the work of collecting and selling kai was never easy, but it was meaningful,” she states. Each sack represents not only food on the table but also the fulfillment of educational dreams and the hope for a brighter future. Despite moments of overwhelming exhaustion, Sereima’s determination stemmed from her love for her family.
Proud of her accomplishments and the life she has built, Sereima emphasizes the importance of adaptability and the lessons learned through marriage. “Strength is not only found in what we know but in our courage to learn what we do not,” she concludes, showcasing the resilience of a woman who has faced life’s challenges head-on and emerged stronger.
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