Eroni Tuitubou was fascinated with airplanes while growing up and pictured himself as a pilot flying high in the skies. However, his ambitions changed as he grew older.
After completing high school, he enrolled in Higher Education Diploma in Customs at the Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies (CBHTS).
Tuitubou was born and raised in Suva with two siblings. He has paternal links to Lomaiviti, Koro, Sinuvaca Village and maternal links to Lau, Vanua Balavu, Sawana Village. His mother was a language instructor and a tailor while his dad was a military officer prior to joining politics. He attended Nasinu Gospel Primary School and then Queen Victoria School to attain his secondary education.
Sharing one of his fondest memories, he said, “I had a lot of fun as a student. I remember those days when we had to do late-night studies. We would always study in groups, studying, eating and chatting”.
Tuitubou graduated with a Higher Education Diploma in Customs in 2014. He joined the Royal Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) following his graduation.
“I was stationed at few bases around the country. It was a great honour to serve my country. I had the opportunity to do what I had always wanted to,” he said.
After two years with the RFMF, he joined the Fiji Navy as a Diver.
“I was excited with the switch as diving was something I did as a hobby. This job meant I would be able to do what I loved to continue serving my country,” he said.
As a Diver for the Fiji Navy, Tuitubou was involved in border security and search and rescue missions.
“While in the Navy, I also did my training and became an instructor. Later, I switched to the Hydrographic Office which is the survey unit in the Navy,” he explained.
Serving in the Fiji Navy for three years, Tuitubou joined a non – government organisation (NGO), Global Vision International (GVI) as a Community Partner Leader.
Founded in 1998, GVI runs programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world, each manned by their own staff and aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or UN SDGs as well as the objectives of local partners. (source: https://www.gvi.co.uk/about-us/)
GVI Fiji is a volunteer-powered organisation promoting marine conservation, education enrichment, and sustainable infrastructure in Fiji’s communities. GVI’s Fiji Program launched in 2011 to assist Fiji’s remote and under-resourced communities to develop sustainable infrastructure in response to growing pressures from development and climate change. The volunteers work in partnership with local communities, the Fiji government, and local organisations to enrich local education, improve local infrastructure, and manage and conserve Fiji’s valuable natural resources. (Source: GVI FB Page)
“My present job enables me to work with people from different backgrounds and ethnicities. I get to do community and youth development, awareness on empowerment of women and health awareness to the people in Dawasamu. I love my job and I’m able to empower people,” he explained.
Tuitubou’s advice to students is to work hard to pursue their dreams.
“Students should always dream. Make your dreams your goals and work hard to pursue them,” he added.
Tuitubou attended the Leadership and Personal Development Training organised by the FNU Alumni Relations Office on Saturday 16 November 2019 where he shared his story with the FNU team.