Vinita Manisha Singh
Suva, Fiji. After working for more than seven years as a machinist in the textile industry, Vinita Manisha Singh desired a career change so she could spend more time with her family. Being a single parent, Singh was interested in pursuing a career in the hospitality industry and decided to enrol in the Certificate of Attainment in Housekeeping and Room Division Management offered by the Fiji National University’s (FNU) National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC).
Singh worked hard and graduated from FNU in 2019 before securing employment at a five-star resort in Nadi.
“I attended secondary school until Year 10 and then began working as a machinist in a garment factory. After seven years of employment, I chose to enter the hotel sector, but first I needed to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills,” she explained.
“I studied housekeeping and worked at the Westin Resort & Spa as a housekeeper. The fascinating aspect of housekeeping is that you get to meet the visitors directly and learn about their cultures and traditions. Additionally, you obtain an understanding of the chemicals used in rooms and laundry. There are so many more fascinating things we may learn on a daily basis when working in the hotel sector.”
The 29-year-old mother of two girls, ages 10 and 14, explained that she changed professions since it offered fexible working hours and rewarding benefits.
“As a single mother, I bear a great deal of responsibility for my lovely children. This has inspired me to work diligently and with complete dedication. I chose to get a certificate that would enable me to provide for my own and my children’s futures,” she proudly said.
“There were several financial difficulties, and I was forced to make a decision and enter the hotel sector. I was the sole breadwinner in my family and also rented a house. While completing my courses, I worked in shifts to earn and learn at the same time.”
Singh stated that if one has a goal in life, he or she may do greater things.
“My time at NTPC was both educational and fun. The organisation’s services aided in my education regarding the tourism industry. Through the use of equipment, I gained a better understanding of rooms, guest services, and their satisfaction,” she explained.
“Life is full of ups and downs, but that does not mean you should abandon the field; rather, you should remain strong and brave in your clashes with your obstacles; this will help you achieve your life objective.”
Singh has urged all single mothers to establish and achieve objectives in order to contribute to their children’s future success.
For information regarding Higher Education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, the 5000 placements available through TSLS funding and the wide range of reskilling and upskilling courses, visit our website at https://www.fnu.ac.fj/tvetpasifika/ or contact our outreach team via email at outreach@fnu.ac.fj.