Tuvaluan native Pulafagu Tekava described leaving her tiny nation to live and study in Fiji as “bittersweet”. Although she was upset about leaving her family, Tekava said she was also excited to meet new people and grow as a person in her pursuit of becoming a primary school teacher.

After finishing her secondary education at Motufoua Secondary School in Tuvalu, Tekava applied to further her studies at FNU.

Twenty-two-year-old Tekava is a final-year Bachelor of Education (Primary) student at the Fiji National University’s (FNU), Natabua campus in Lautoka.

“Being the second youngest in the family, leaving home was a very emotional time. I encountered a few hurdles but didn’t face any major hiccups while enrolling at FNU,” said Tekava.

“I had found out that FNU’s College of Humanities and Education (CHE) is a renowned teacher training institute and also has hostel facilities on campus.”

“The Bachelor of Education (Primary) programme offered at FNU is the most comprehensive and broad teaching course. The content provided is exciting and relevant to the teaching field, and I think it will open up many doorways to future career paths,” she said.

From a young age, Tekava was passionate about becoming a primary school teacher.

According to Tekava, she enjoys the university experience, especially learning about how children make decisions in an educational setting.

“I like observing children and supporting their learning by fostering their curiosity. I have already been able to apply skills learnt at FNU in a real environment – having done my practicum and peer teaching assignments, I feel work-ready after leaving FNU.”

The significant change that Tekava experienced at the University was that she was able to find friends that have common interests, and made her more independent.

“I had moments of homesickness and missed my family, but the amazing thing was that I could video call them anytime, thanks to the free WiFi facilities at the campus.”

“Ever since coming to Fiji, I have become self-sufficient and not dependent on anyone, especially when making decisions.”

After studying here for several semesters, Tekava said that FNU delivered on its reputation – not just for its academic standards but also for its student support and helpful resources.

“FNU doesn’t just provide me with high-quality classes and lecturers who are always helping me overcome my difficulties; it also promotes career events and workshops that help me develop the variety of knowledge and skills I need as a professional.”

Tekava’s future plans involves undertaking the Master of Education programme at FNU.

Students interested in undertaking the Bachelor of Education (Primary) or other programmes at FNU can visit our website at www.fnu.ac.fj for course details, minimum entry and application requirements.

For enquiries relating to applications, please send your email to admission@fnu.ac.fj

Applications for Semester 2 are now open.