In the village of Nakorosule, the increasing importance of education is being highlighted by the journey of 23-year-old Malakai Colabenu. Having grown up in this community, Colabenu initially focused on his studies, hoping to acquire skills that would benefit not just himself but also his family and village.

Colabenu recalls his experiences, stating that his educational journey began in seventh grade in his local school. He was determined to provide assistance in building homes after completing his studies, noting that he aimed to return to his roots and utilize the land to contribute positively to his home.

Expressing gratitude for the support he received from the local community, Colabenu shared that he is actively cultivating taro in order to sell in the market. He emphasized the abundance of taro his family can produce, particularly in the richer soil of Kadavu, which is thriving due to diligent farming practices.

In a demonstration of his dedication, Colabenu is now preparing to sell 20 bags of taro at a price of $3 per kilo. Reflecting on his past, he shared that he has planted five taro beds this year, already harvesting seven batches, which is a promising sign of growth.

Colabenu plans to put the profits towards building his own home, which aligns with his long-term vision of improving not only his living conditions but also enhancing the lifestyle of his family. His commitment to development is encouraging, especially considering he is just at the start of his journey in life at 23.

With a strong sense of determination, Colabenu continues to motivate himself and others in his community. He encourages youth in his village to effectively utilize the resources they have and recognize that through hard work and dedication, they can achieve their dreams and meet daily needs.

This story illustrates the power of education and hard work in transforming lives and communities. Colabenu’s experience serves as inspiration for many, showcasing the impact that commitment to one’s roots and industriousness can have in the pursuit of a better future.