This Christmas will be the best ever for Natubuniqio, Vugalei, Tailevu villager, Kelevi Cavuduadua.
His eldest son, Peniasi Kaloukocei Apisai, returns home today after two years in Australia with his Christmas gift – his Master in International Law and Diplomacy degree from the Australian National University (ANU).
He is the first in his village to attain the qualification – a pride his villager father said would be his best gift ever.
“Sa ra mai cavu i sausau na gone na kena rawati na vuli toro cake. Au vakamalemalekataki rau na qase e vale kei Toga na nodra cola lotu kei na kena maroroi na vanua kei na kena tataunaki tu na vuli. Sa ra tauce tu e dai na gone na vua ni veisusu maleka. (Our children are reaping the rewards of investing in higher education. I thank our elders for their stressing the importance of good education for our children and being religious.),” Mr Cavuduadua said.
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Peniasi Kaloukocei Apisai with wife, Tenga Paueli.
Son Apenisa, 29, surprised his father last week with an air ticket to Australia last week to accompany him at his graduation ceremony at the Australian National University.
Apenisa, the eldest of five siblings, lost their mother to illness when they were young, dedicated his achievement to his father because of the sacrifices he did for his children.
“I come from Natobuniqio, Vugalei in Tailevu, with maternal ties to Nukufetau in Tuvalu. I am 29 years old and married to Tenga Paueli, from Nanumaga in Tuvalu and has maternal roots in Rotuma,” Mr Apenisa said.
“As the eldest of five siblings, I’ve always strived to embody the values of hard work and determination instilled in us by our late mother.
“My wife and I relocated to Australia in January 2023 for studies, and today’s (last Friday) graduation ceremony was made even more special by the presence of my father, Kelevi Cavuduadua, and youngest sister, Viinga Apisai, who travelled from Fiji to celebrate this milestone with us.”
Acknowledgement
“First and foremost, I thank the Lord for the strength and wisdom that have guided me throughout this journey. My gratitude to Australia and ANU, my Nasavalevu and Tamavua families, my father and siblings.
“My deepest appreciation to my father for her dedication, encouragement, and love which were my greatest source of strength.” This achievement is dedicated to her.” A family celebration is scheduled for tomorrow at their family estate at Nakoromakawa, Natubuniqio Village, Vugalei.
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