Almaas Muskaan shows her artwork, alongside the Head of Natabua Campus, Perry Gabriel.

While growing up, young Almaas Muskaan knew that becoming an artist in life was her calling.

Hailing from Tavua, 20-year-old Muskaan is a third-year Bachelor of Education (Primary) student at Fiji National University’s Natabua Campus in Lautoka, home to the College of Humanities, Education and Law (CHEL). She is also a proud alumna of Balata College.

She expressed gratitude for her parents’ support, which encouraged her passion for painting. 

“Both of my parents are teachers, and their example strongly influenced my career choice,” said Muskaan.

“Many of my aunts and uncles also graduated from the former Lautoka Teachers College, which inspired me to join FNU and carry on the family legacy.”

Her aim is to become a passionate teacher and wholeheartedly serve the education sector.

Muskaan encourages girls and women to take pride in their education and pursue their dreams with passion.

“Through education, girls can be empowered to be self-sufficient and be good decision-makers for their future,” she added.

Muskaan’s recent painting was presented to the Na Turaga Bale na Tui Macuata and the Patron of the FNU Foundation, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere as one of the gifts during the Foundation’s official launch last month.

The Painting 

𝙎𝙚𝙖 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮

It is Muskaan’s expression of the turtle gracefully swimming in the ocean. It conveys a sense of beauty, calm and peacefulness of the underwater world.

This painting symbolises Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere’s work environmental advocacy champion.