19-year-old Apolosa Caginivanua says choosing to walk away from habits that had worried his family and taking a different path has changed his life, as he graduated from CATD Nadave with a qualification in Welding and Fabrication.
Caginivanua is one of the two graduates who came through the Inspire Pacific Tagane Mai Programme with support from the Salvation Army, was also named Best Trainee of the Year.
The two overcame personal challenges to receive their Level 3 certificates in Welding and Fabrication, as well as FNU NPTC Trade Test Class 3 qualifications.
Caginivanua, who is from Kadavu and shares maternal links to Ra, was emotional as he received his certificate, saying that graduating alongside his fellow students was a proud moment and he is happy to now have a skill that can help him provide for his family.
Before joining CATD Nadave, Caginivanua says he had been involved in some negative habits that had left his family worried about his future.
He says deciding to leave those habits behind and join the school put him on a different path, however, the journey was not easy.
He says his family, particularly his sister, continued encouraging him to complete his training and not turn back.
That made the graduation especially emotional for his sister as she watched her younger brother walk onto the stage to receive his certificate and special award.
She says the achievement means everything to their family after seeing the challenges her younger brother had gone through.
She says there was a time when his choices had left the family worried about where his life was heading, and she never imagined she would one day be sitting beside him as he celebrated such an achievement.
The moment carried even greater significance for the siblings as they have lost both their parents.
His sister says their parents would have been proud to see Caginivanua graduate and receive the Best Trainee award.
She says she was overjoyed when one of his teachers told her that her younger brother would not only graduate but would also receive a special award.
She thanked CATD Nadave, the Salvation Army and everyone who supported Caginivanua throughout his journey.
Now equipped with a qualification in Welding and Fabrication, Caginivanua is encouraging young people facing challenges not to give up on themselves.
He says there will be ups and downs along the way, but young people can change the direction of their lives and achieve their goals if they are willing to put their hearts into it.
