Sixty-year-old Peniasi Dobui continues to thrive despite living with a disability. He lost both legs in an accident at the age of 25, yet has learned to navigate life without them while supporting his family for many years.
The resident of Nasigatoka village in Rewa draws strength from the unwavering love and support of his wife, Vasemaca Dobui, and their daughter, Keresi Gabriel Dobui. He believes their sacrifices inspire him to keep pushing forward.
Reflecting on his life, Peniasi shared that the accident occurred in 1990 during a break from military service, when he agreed to help his brother at a factory. It was on his first day that the unfortunate event took place. Now, having lived without legs for 34 years, he expresses gratitude for being given a second chance at life and hopes to inspire others with disabilities to remain hopeful.
After the accident, everyday tasks became challenging, but a Japanese expert helped him during his three-year recovery at Tamavua hospital. Once he returned to his village, he focused on how to sustain himself and his family. In 1995, he began farming, initially growing taro, as he refused to rely on others.
Farming was difficult at first as he adapted to moving around the land. He persevered, reminding himself not to lose heart and to remain hopeful. His hard work paid off; he has expanded his farm over the years and consistently produces crops.
Other villagers place orders for his harvested goods, and he often sells his produce at Nasali Landing. His farm, flourishing with taro, watermelons, and various vegetables, demonstrates his resilience and ingenuity.
Through his successful farming efforts, Peniasi has met his family’s needs and achieved significant milestones, including building a canteen and purchasing a car. He has also started using innovative farming techniques, such as a weed control maze and vegetable nurseries, aided by materials sent by a brother overseas.
With the assistance of relatives, Peniasi’s farm has become abundant in produce. He not only farms but also engages in fishing, carpentry, and driving. He encourages others with disabilities to explore their hidden talents and strive to achieve their goals, reiterating that confidence and dedication can lead to success.
He calls on able-bodied individuals to return to their villages and utilize agricultural opportunities instead of lingering in urban settings. Peniasi expresses gratitude for the support from his family, friends, and community, which has enabled his independence for the past 34 years.
Looking ahead, he plans to expand his farm and diversify his crops, adding tomatoes, cabbages, and eggplants. Agricultural Assistant Sowinden Tekairaba noted that the ministry acknowledges farmers with special needs and will provide assistance to Peniasi in the coming fiscal year to support his farming ambitions.
So far, Peniasi has planted 1,700 taro and has plans for additional tomato plants on his one-acre land. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that success is defined not by the absence of challenges but by overcoming them and making a difference. In celebrating his achievements, we acknowledge the valuable lesson that determination, creativity, and community support can turn adversity into success, inspiring others to follow suit.