Single mother Salote Maria Taukeisalili has overcome significant challenges to earn her degree. The 24-year-old mother of two, from Nakorovou Village, Kubulau in Bua, received unwavering support from family and friends throughout her education journey.
Ms. Taukeisalili grew up in her mother’s village of Namuamua in Namosi, where she was the eldest of four siblings. Her education began at Ro Matanitobua Memorial School for primary and continued at Vashist Muni College and Nasinu Secondary School for secondary education. She later enrolled at the University of the South Pacific in Lautoka, where she initially focused on commerce before shifting her studies to a Bachelor of Arts Graduate Certificate in Education, majoring in Geography and English.
Starting her career in 2019 coincided with her pregnancy with her first child, which she described as “challenging but rewarding.” Despite dealing with morning sickness and the demands of pregnancy, she persisted with her studies. Her second son, Ezekiel, was born in 2022.
Ms. Taukeisalili noted that although she informed her children’s father about her situation, he did not provide support. She chose to embrace her role as a single mother with the help of her family. She shared, “You can’t force anyone to help if they are not willing.”
She credits the birth of her son Romeo as a turning point that motivated her to stay focused on her goals. “After giving birth to my eldest, everything I contemplated was overshadowed by this little beam of light who’d made me a mother,” she reflected. Ms. Taukeisalili committed to achieving her educational aspirations, fueled by daily reminders of her ambitions.
With her family’s encouragement, Ms. Taukeisalili managed her studies while her mother helped care for her sons in Namosi. To attend her lectures, she lived with relatives in Navua, making her daily commute easier. “At first, it was hard to leave my son at a very tender age. I thought I was being selfish, but with my family’s reassurance, I was able to pull through,” she explained.
Expressing gratitude to her family, she said, “I am deeply grateful to my number one supporters, my namesake, my parents, for believing in me, trusting me, and giving me the chance to complete my education.”
In addition to her academic pursuits, Ms. Taukeisalili has participated in Fiji Fashion Week, showcasing her passion for fashion. In April, she celebrated her graduation at Vodafone Arena, holding her children as she received her certificate.
Shortly after her graduation, she was appointed to teach at Dilkusha Methodist High School in Nausori. “God did it; it was all God, and all the glory goes back to him,” she declared. “I thank him for the struggles and the challenges; they made me more resilient. The late-night studies and the sacrifices were indeed rewarding. Looking back, I am confident to say, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”