Everyday struggle will pay off one day, says Adi Titilia Lagilagi.
The Year eight student of Nabitu, Tailevu was newly inducted as headgirl of Nehru Memorial Primary School during the school’s prefect induction ceremony in Suva on Tuesday.
She was among 37 other prefects.
Missing her late father, Ratu Tevita Lagilagi, on her special day, emotional Adi Titilia said her mother’s sacrifice and her grandparents hard work had paid off for her.
An emotional, Adi Titilia said one day she would build a ‘house of paradise’ for her mother and herself.
“My father passed away when I was two-years-old and since then my mother and grandparents have supported us financially,” the 13-year-old said.
“It is not easy for my mother and me to go by each day without missing my dad and how things could have been if he was here.
“There have been times when I had seen my mother lose hope and burst into tears and I just stood there, unable to do anything.
“I know I am too young to be doing anything for my mother, except support her in every way I can,” she said.
“But I know one day I would like to change that for her.
“I have promised her that I would build her a house of paradise where she doesn’t have to face any struggles or financial problems like we do today.
“Being the headgirl of the school is the first step towards my goal and I know I will reach there.
“All I have to do is continue working hard and focus on my academic results and my duties.
“I know the headboy and I are well prepared to carry this leadership duty throughout the year,” Adi Titilia said.
She said she would like to be an example of a female leader for other students and girls out there.
Gevunisaqa reminds prefects of their added responsibilities
The ceremony’s chief guest Republic of Fiji Military Forces Lieutenant-Colonel Onisivoro Gevunisaqa told the new prefects their appointments come with added responsibilities.
“The definition of discipline that I mean is not punishment but rather the development of self-control and teamwork which makes men and women strive for excellence and greatness.
“A disciplined person has the ability to see right and wrong and to be a good leader, you have to identify what is right and what is wrong to make everyone understand that only what a right, matter,” Lieutenant-Colonel Gevunisaqa said.
Headboy, Bhavin Patel, 12, said he would take in the chief guest’s words into consideration as a new leader.
“I would like to follow the words of our chief guest who advised us to be disciplined and fight for what is right.
“I know it will not be easy to practice everything together but I know with the help and support of the head girl, we will make this school better and students to be disciplined,” Bhavin said.
Edited by Jonathan Bryce
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