‘Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me that nothing is small if you have the right direction to do.’

This was the bible verse that 19-year-old Mereoni Nava lived by all her life while growing up.

The Vanualevu native from Naveve Village in Bua is a student at the Fiji National University, pursuing a Certificate in Fabrication and Welding (Level 3), under the College of Engineering, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CETVET) at Ba Campus.

At the same time of journeying to accomplish her dream, Nava is appreciative to her hardworking parents who are toiling the farm daily to provide for their family’s needs.

Interestingly, the Nukuloa College former student is also a rugby player and is a proud rep of a rugby club in Ba.

Nava shared her story highlighting that she was shy when first entering her classroom as she could not see any woman that enrolled in the same programme.

“I was shy at first but then with the constant support from my lecturer, Navneel Nand and other staff, I have never felt that this is a male-dominated programme,” she said.

“The way I am taught and treated makes me always feel welcomed in class, and that is the best part of the FNU is that I am treated fairly when it comes to practical work.

“My lecturer made me believe that I am no less than any man when it comes to work.”

Nava said before choosing the programme, she received many negative comments because she was a woman going into a field where men dominated.

“My family was my biggest support in this area,” she said.

“I have learned that welding work is an essential field, and without welding, things would have never been possible. For instance, my mother uses a roti plate which is made through welding work and my dad uses a kava pounding ‘tambili’ that is made from welding.

“Furthermore, apart from these, I understand that fabrication and welding is crucial for Fiji’s infrastructure development and highly demanded for constructing buildings, bridges, trucks and trailers, machinery and the list goes on.

“I chose this programme because I want to be very successful and support my family. I feel that welders will never be unemployed as there is a huge demand for us everywhere.”

She encourages all girls and women to never give up on their dreams.

“Keep studying, move forward, and don’t even think that we as girls or women can’t do men’s work. Remember, believe in God who will surely help, guide and give you strength to succeed in any field,” she added.

Nava is grateful to the FNU family at Ba Campus for supporting her in her field of study.

Interested individuals who want to find out more about the Certificate in Fabrication and Welding (Level 3) programme can contact the Programme Coordinator, Navneel Nand on navneel.nand@fnu.ac.fj