At 82, Losana Dioi is proving that it is never too late to learn—earning two certificates from the Fiji National University in just four weeks.

Today, she received her second certificate, marking an extraordinary achievement driven by determination and a passion to serve her community.

Travelling from Labasa to Nabalebale in Wailevu, Cakaudrove at 6am each day was no easy task, but it was a sacrifice Ms Dioi was willing to make.

She graduated from FNU’s Rural Remote Maritime Training Community-Based Non-Formal Education & Training programme with a certificate in Screen Printing Artwork Designs.

“This is the second time I am graduating from this training this year. Last month I graduated from Naiyaca Campus with floriculture, and this learning journey has been fulfilling,” Ms Dioi said.

Earning two certificates in just four weeks highlights her resilience and commitment to lifelong learning especially at her age.

Despite the daily challenges, she remained committed.

“Training daily is not easy because it gets tiring, but I have to keep going because I know I will be able to assist others with what I am learning,” she said.

At an age when many slow down, Ms Dioi continues to rise using education as a tool to uplift her church and community.

“I am glad and happy to be receiving my certificate today,” she said.

FNU’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba said among the 263 graduates, 180 are men and 83 are women, representing strength, diversity and inclusion.

“Today’s graduation aligns directly with Fiji’s National Development Plan, particularly its focus on inclusive growth, rural development and building a skilled and adaptable workforce. The skills you have gained are not just for employment, they are for enterprise, for resilience and for sustainability,” Professor Nabobo-Baba said.

“But more importantly, it contributes to something deeply Fijian, the strengthening of families, the empowerment of villages and the upliftment of the vanua.

“This is also closely aligned with the Government’s Na Vualiku Project — a vision to unlock the full potential of the Northern Division. Through this initiative, we are seeing renewed focus on infrastructure, economic opportunity and human capital development.”

Professor Nabobo-Baba added that the training contributes to global priorities as well advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 4: Quality Education

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities