It’s never too late to follow your passion – Bibi

Press Release Posted On: January 27, 2022

For Fiji National University (FNU) alumna Sofina Bibi the phrase “You are never too old to follow your dreams” rings true.

After spending 18 years working in early childhood education (ECE), Bibi enrolled at FNU’s College of Humanities and Education (CHE) to pursue a Bachelor in Education (Early Childhood).

The mother of two chose to study at FNU because of its reputation, established excellence, and a long list of successful alumni.

“I compared courses and liked the programme because it valued educational theory alongside practical application involved in professional experiences,” she said.

Currently working at International School Nadi, 43- year old, Bibi initially started her career as a volunteer.

“I started my career at Red Cross kindergarten as a volunteer, then got employed by Lautoka Muslim Primary School as their ECE teacher and later as teacher-in-charge. In 2013 I received a Multi-Ethnic Scholarship to upgrade my certificate at FNU. After graduating with Higher Education Certificate in early childhood, I got a job at International School Nadi (ISN) as an early childhood teacher.”

“It is my 8th year of teaching at ISN, where I facilitate children from the age of 3 to 6-year-olds. Apart from teaching, I am the assistant secretary of the Fiji Early Childhood Association, a member of the Early Childhood Educators group and an author of the Tubutubu article group, which gets published in Fiji Sun every fortnight.”

Bibi is amongst the first batch of students to have graduated from the Bachelor in Education  (Early Childhood) programme.

“I am proud to say it’s an honour to be the pioneer student of FNU to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Teaching young children have been my passion, and I have been working on their development and skills to help them become lifelong learners,” she said proudly.

According to Bibi, studying at FNU has not only encouraged her to be academically strong but made her a better ECE facilitator in the classroom and out in the community.

“Giving a class presentation, working collaboratively with other students and doing assignments on my own has boosted my leadership quality, the approachability towards others and undoubtedly the inner confidence in me, which indirectly aids me to be a better early childhood educator.”

“The programmes under the early childhood department allowed me to understand how children at a young age grow and develop at their own pace and as educators how we can support that through our knowledge and experience to develop them holistically. It was an honour to be part of hands-on, face-to-face, and online classes to finish my degree at FNU,” she adds.

Bibi’s advice to prospective students is to be persistent.

“Never doubt yourself. I am happy I have accomplished something I always wanted to achieve, and as a result, I am now nurturing the future leaders.”

Prospective students who wish to study Bachelor in Education (Early Childhood) or any other programmes at FNU are encouraged to Apply Now for Semester 1, 2022 studies via the Admission Application portal on the FNU website. Click on https://www.fnu.ac.fj/study/apply/

Students can also text on 857 or email admission@fnu.ac.fj if they face difficulties completing the process online or need further admission information.