Fiji National University’s (FNU) Roadshow venue in the Wishing Well in Sigatoka filled with prospective students realisng their dreams to reality.

The Fiji National University (FNU) is currently navigating the last leg of its Enrolment Drive Roadshow, weaving through major towns and cities nationwide.

On the ground, the dedicated FNU Roadshow team is not just providing academic counselling; they are actively shaping dreams. New and continuing students and parents and guardians were able to receive assistance in the application and enrolment process, instant letters of acceptance for eligible students, and the registration of students to their units.

Originally from Tuvu Village, Sanaila Naliwa who was the first applicant of the day at FNU’s roadshow location at the Wishing Well in Sigatoka. He will now joyfully embark on his educational journey by enrolling in the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (Physical Education/ Art and Craft) programme.

Naliwa’s first encounter with FNU was during the University’s Career Discovery for High School Students campaign at Saint Therese of Lisieux College in Sigatoka last year. He was amongst the eager students filled with hope and determination who were captivated by FNU’s team passionately promoting the programmes of the national university.

Sanaila Naliwa (right).

“I was inspired by one of my high school teachers, and I want to become a teacher to help my mother and siblings back in the village. I chose to teach these two subjects as my major as I love sports, I played for the rugby and netball team at my high school,” he said.

“When I initially started my secondary education, my father passed away and my mother moved back to the village, so I had to fend for myself. I worked in the farm, and then sold the crops and the vegetables I harvested to survive. I would farm at free times in the mornings, afternoons and in the weekends.

“From that time till now, I have had to look after myself, and I want to encourage students that nothing is impossible if the heart is willing, just work hard and chase your dreams to make a change!”

At our Roadshow venue in Nausori, Peni Vulaca Seniloli was inspired by his ancestors, who were traditional experts in nautical navigation.

Peni Vulaca Seniloli.

The young Seniloli took up the challenge to be a ship captain by joining the Diploma in Nautical Science (Level 5) programme at the Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA).

“As an islander, I hail from a long line of traditional navigation experts who travelled across the Pacific just by following the stars on traditional canoes. This has always stirred a passion for the sea in me, it is like I was being called to become a seafarer and travel the open seas.”

“I am so happy that I got my offer letter for FMA which brings me closer to my dream of becoming a ship captain.”

Hailing from Lakeba, Lau, Seniloli was on a holiday in Samoa visiting his parents when he applied online for his spot in FMA.

He said he was excited to explore the facilities at FMA and to graduate as the first captain in his family.

From the outskirts of Nadi, sugarcane cutter Josua Niumataiwalu harvested sugarcane in his hometown from 2017 to 2020. He then he had to stay home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Josua Niumataiwalu received his offer letter at Fiji National University’s (FNU) Roadshow venue at Shop n Save in Navua today.

However, he was determined to do well in his career, and with the knowledge from the TVET-free courses provided by FNU, he was encouraged to earn his first qualification.

This further motivated him to enrol in the Certificate in Engineering (Electrical) at the Fiji National University’s (FNU), College of Engineering, Science, and Technology (CEST).

“I am happy to have applied at FNU because I want to get a formal qualification,” the 34-year-old said.

“Currently, I am also a dalo and cassava farmer in Nasasa, where I sell my produce to market vendors and also sell at the roadside. With the qualification, my knowledge and skills will be enhanced. I also plan to do a trade test at the FNU’s NTPC.”

For 19-year-old Alivani Rauga, being enrolled in the Foundation Science programme at the FNU’s CEST was the greatest gift she could give to her parents.

Rauga, a former Lomawai Secondary School student from Tau Village in Nadroga, was accompanied by her family to the FNU booth at the My FNPF Centre in Nadi today to become a registered student of FNU.

“It was my dream to be in the Science field, so I am happy that I am finally on the road to achieving my dream,” she said.

Her achievement is dedicated to her hard-working parents and siblings.