Netani Vuatalevu receives his offer letter at the FNU Rakiraki Roadshow

In the heart of Fiji’s sunshine coast of Rakiraki, where the golden rays of the sun kiss the sprawling sugar cane fields, exists an incredible journey of resilience and triumph.

It is a journey that begins in the calloused hands of a young boy, whose days were spent labouring under the relentless sun, in Rakiraki’s famed sugar cane fields and his cassava and pineapple farm.

Amid the swaying stalks and the harsh demands of life, young Netani Vuatalevu dared to dream beyond the confines of his circumstances.

The humble Penang Sangam High School graduate (pictured above) received his offer letter for a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) at the Fiji National University’s (FNU), College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST) during the 2024 FNU Roadshow at the Rakiraki old market.

“It had always been my dream to become a Civil Engineer, and I was determined to achieve that dream no matter what came my way,” said Vuatalevu. “The work done by FNU has always been so inspiring. When I attended the FNU Open Day last year, my wish was to join FNU, and today my wish has come true.”

Vuatalevu was accompanied by his cousin who revealed that he worked as a labourer in sugar cane fields and would sell mangoes and crops from his farm along the roadside to help support his family and to save for his education.

When asked about what motivated him in his most trying times, the Nakorokula, Ra native smiled fighting back tears as he said, “My father.”

“My father works extremely hard to support our family and he always taught me the importance of working hard towards my dreams,” said Vuatalevu. “I am so happy that now I can tell him that I am on my way to achieving my childhood dream of becoming an Engineer, all thanks to FNU.”

He also revealed that his teacher, Munesh Gounder, pushed him towards pursuing his dreams. Vuatalevu is looking forward to his new chapter of life at FNU’s Derrick Campus in Samabula and is determined to join the university rugby team soon.

“I will always keep my parents and my humble beginnings in my mind no matter where I am, that is my motivation, and I would like to encourage other young people, especially from rural areas to never stop dreaming and working towards their dreams.”

Semester 1, 2024 Applications

Interested students can Apply Now for Semester 1, 2024 studies via the FNU website at https://www.fnu.ac.fj/student/ or email to admission@fnu.ac.fj

For further information or queries, students can also Text (Toll-Free) to 857 for Vodafone and Inkk users.

Alternatively, applicants can visit any of the FNU campuses to submit applications.