Speaking on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan, Serevi opened up about his life before the trophies and international success, saying he grew up in Nasole in a family of five children.
Serevi says he has an older brother and sister and a younger brother and sister, making him the middle child, who he jokingly describes as the “peacekeeper” in the family.
He says growing up was challenging, but the difficulties he faced taught him many important lessons.
Speaking about his education, Serevi says he attended Delainamasi Government School from Class 1 to Class 6, but school was always difficult for him.
He says he did not pass his Class 8 examination but was able to continue his education at Lelean Memorial School after his father approached pastors he knew and asked if Serevi could continue to Form 3.
Serevi attended Lelean Memorial School from 1980 to 1984 before his school journey ended after he failed his Fiji Junior Certificate Examination.
Insert: Serevi on working hard 4th Oct 26
Serevi says that lesson taught him the importance of working hard before enjoying the rewards.
He says he now shares the same message with school children, reminding them that they do not need to have a paid job to learn the value of work.
Serevi says simple responsibilities such as making their bed, picking up rubbish, doing the laundry and washing dishes before going to school can help young people develop discipline.
He says the hardworking attitude that followed him throughout his life came from those early lessons taught by his father.
