12-year-old Samisoni Tagilala, who saved 14 people from drowning while travelling to Tavanuku in Lau, is one of 14 children recognised during UN World Children’s Day.
The day honours children for their courage, bravery, and selfless service to others, as well as for enhancing lives within their communities or schools and persevering through challenging circumstances.
On the of 5th January this year, Tagilala and 16 others were travelling to Tavanuku when their boat capsized.
Despite the danger, he helped a cousin, who clung to his back, and swam his younger brother to shore.
The Ministry of Children says that, upon reaching safety, Tagilala spotted large pieces of styrofoam on the beach and without hesitation, he swam back into the open sea, using the styrofoam to help exhausted survivors stay afloat.
One survivor recalled Tagilala’s crucial role in saving lives, including climbing a coconut tree upon reaching the shore to provide much-needed hydration after hours spent in the sea.
Unfortunately, one of the survivors, Peni Toko, lost his daughter but despite his loss, Toko shared Tagilala’s bravery and perseverance with the media.
The Ministry says Tagilala’s courage, quick thinking, and determination saved not one but 15 lives that day, making him a true hero and a child who makes the nation proud.
Nine-year-old Verenaisi Adilewasirisiri Koroi also received a Bravery Award for saving her twin brothers from their burning house.
On 21st July this year, at 8pm, a fire engulfed her home in Saru Village, Lautoka, while Koroi and her siblings were sleeping.
The Ministry noted that her grandparents, who were selling BBQ at a roadside stall to support the family financially, did not see the fire.
While displaying extraordinary courage and presence of mind, Koroi realised the house was on fire, she rescued her two-year-old twin brothers from the burning home.
Moments after she carried them to safety, the entire house collapsed and despite the terrifying situation, this nine-year-old child remained calm and focused, ensuring her brothers’ survival.
Her bravery and quick thinking not only saved two lives but also demonstrated remarkable heroism at such a tender age.
The Gandhi Bhawan Primary School student from Tavakubu Village, Lautoka, was nominated for the award by her Head Teacher, Nilesh Sharma, for her exceptional bravery.
Nine-year-old Pranav Kumar Deo received the ‘Bravery in the Face of Danger’ Award after a fire broke out in their four-bedroom home in December 2022 in Ba.
Deo, who was home with his grandmother at the time, ran two kilometres to the nearest house to raise the alarm.
Due to his swift action and determination, his grandmother was rescued by those who came to assist.
17-year-old Sweta Verma took a year off school last year to care for her sick and bedridden parents, selling vegetables in the market to support her family financially.
Tragically, Verma lost both her parents within four weeks in July this year.
The Ministry says after this heart-wrenching loss, she returned to school, where she was selected as class captain for her leadership qualities.
18-year-old Esther Lusiana Kuva, the Head Girl of Nakasi High School, cared for her cancer-stricken mother, whom she lost six months before her Year 12 external exams.
Kuva was recognised for her academic achievements, providing tuition to 13 fellow students, assisting students during sports camps, and supporting her church, CMF1 Nakasi to look for ingriends for meals for the homeless in Suva City.
She also coordinates and cooks meals for street children and the homeless.
11-year-old Siteri Muriceva Codro, a Year 5 student at Colo-i-Naivakacere Primary School, dedicates her time to caring for a 62-year-old stroke patient in her village.
She helps with daily tasks such as feeding, folding clothes, and fetching water. She also assists her amputee aunt at home.
In a remarkable act of kindness, Siteri once sought food from another household to feed the stroke patient when the patient’s husband was away.
13-year-old Fulori Diraboki, Dravo District School’s Dux, took on the immense responsibility of caring for her mother, who suffered a debilitating stroke and was left bedridden.
Despite often arriving late to school, she excelled academically.
Sainimere Bose, a Year 2 student at Madhuvani Sangam School, was born with deformed hands but has learned to use her toes to write, proving that with perseverance, no obstacle is insurmountable.
In July this year, Ratu Sakiusa Valimaiwai, Setareki Danford, George Niumataiwalu, John Kumkee, and Sean Mar found six-year-old Jasper Primary School student Vasemaca Drotini crying by the roadside after losing her bus card.
The boys comforted her and escorted her safely home, walking half an hour to her house.
16-year-old Lorenza Jaron Prakash of Tavua College was recognised for her volunteer work with the Fiji Red Cross Society.
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